Job 29:7
When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!
Original Language Analysis
בְּצֵ֣אתִי
When I went out
H3318
בְּצֵ֣אתִי
When I went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 7
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
עֲלֵי
H5921
עֲלֵי
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Zechariah 8:16These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:Deuteronomy 16:18Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.Ruth 4:11And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Beth-lehem:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cities had gates where legal proceedings occurred, trade was conducted, and community decisions made. Sitting at the gate indicated leadership and judicial authority. Lot sat in Sodom's gate (Genesis 19:1), suggesting civic position. Job's seat at the gate demonstrated his integration into society's structures for redemptive purposes—he didn't withdraw but engaged to promote justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's example of holding civic authority for justice sake inform Christian cultural engagement?
- What is the proper Christian motivation for seeking positions of influence and leadership?
- How do we balance Christ's teaching on servant leadership with Job's description of civic authority?
Analysis & Commentary
Job recalls his former honor: "When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!" The noun sha'ar (שַׁעַר, "gate") was where elders sat to judge cases and conduct business. The verb kun (כּוּן, "prepared") means to establish or set firmly. Job describes his position of authority and respect in civic life. The city gate was where justice was administered (Ruth 4:1-11, Deuteronomy 21:19). From a Reformed perspective, Job's reminiscence reveals proper Christian ambition—seeking positions where one can serve others and administer justice. Job didn't seek status for selfish gain but to "deliver the poor that cried, and the fatherless" (verse 12). This models cultural engagement: believers should pursue influence not for self-exaltation but to establish justice and defend the vulnerable. Christ's teaching on greatness through service (Mark 10:43-45) fulfills this principle.