Job 29:9 - Job's Former Blessings

Audio Bible

Context

Job's Former Blessings
…8the young men saw me and withdrew, and the old men rose to their feet. 9The princes refrained from speaking and covered their mouths with their hands. 10The voices of the nobles were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roofs of their mouths.…

Cross References

Proverbs 31:23
Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.Isaiah 3:3
the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter.Lamentations 5:14
The elders have left the city gate; the young men have stopped their music.Proverbs 31:28
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well:Isaiah 29:10
For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers.Amos 5:13
Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.Micah 7:16
Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their might. They will put their hands over their mouths, and their ears will become deaf.Acts 17:12
As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men.1 Kings 10:8
How blessed are your men! How blessed are these servants of yours who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.1 Corinthians 14:34
Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.Titus 2:2
Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.1 Timothy 5:17
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,1 Corinthians 12:23
and the parts we consider less honorable, we treat with greater honor. And our unpresentable parts are treated with special modesty,

Job 4:2
If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?

Job 7:11
Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

laid

Job 21:5
Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth.

Job 40:4
Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

Judges 18:19
And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?

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Job 29

The princes refrained from speaking
In the ancient Near Eastern context, princes were often seen as figures of authority and wisdom. Their refraining from speaking indicates a deep respect and acknowledgment of Job's wisdom and status. This silence can be compared to the reverence shown to wise leaders throughout the Bible, such as Solomon, whose wisdom was sought by many (1 Kings 4:34). The act of refraining from speaking also signifies humility and recognition of a greater authority, which is a recurring theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible.

and covered their mouths with their hands.
Covering the mouth with the hand is a gesture of awe and submission, often indicating that one is in the presence of someone greater or more knowledgeable. This action is symbolic of the respect and honor given to Job, reflecting his esteemed position in society. In biblical culture, gestures were significant in conveying respect and humility. This act can be seen as a parallel to the reverence shown to God, where silence and submission are appropriate responses to His majesty (Habakkuk 2:20). Additionally, this gesture can be seen as a type of Christ, who, though deserving of all honor, was often met with silence and awe by those who recognized His true nature (Mark 4:41).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man of great faith and integrity, known for his patience and endurance through suffering. In this chapter, Job is reflecting on his past status and the respect he commanded.

2. Princes
These are the leaders or nobles of the community who held positions of authority and influence. Their act of refraining from speaking signifies the high regard they had for Job.

3. The Act of Covering the Mouth
This was a cultural gesture of respect and silence, indicating that the person speaking (Job, in this case) had wisdom and authority that demanded attention.

Teaching Points

Respect for Godly Wisdom
Just as the princes showed respect for Job's wisdom, we should honor and seek out godly wisdom in our lives. This involves listening to those who have walked faithfully with God and have insights to share.

The Power of Silence
Silence can be a powerful tool in communication. It allows us to listen more effectively and shows respect for the speaker. In our interactions, we should practice being slow to speak and quick to listen.

Influence Through Integrity
Job's integrity and righteousness earned him respect and influence. As Christians, living a life of integrity can open doors for us to impact others positively and be a testimony of God's work in our lives.

Cultural Expressions of Respect
Understanding cultural expressions of respect, such as covering the mouth, can enhance our appreciation of biblical accounts and help us apply similar principles of respect in our own cultural contexts.

(9) The princes retrained talking.--Comp. Isaiah 52:15.

Verse 9. - The princes refrained talking. The other head-men of the tribe, recognizing Job's superior rank and dignity, refrained from words as soon as he made his appearance, and in silence awaited what he would say. Perhaps we are scarcely to understand literally the further statement that they laid their hand on their mouth, which is probably as much an idiom as our phrase, "they held their tongues "(comp. Job 21:5). Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The princes
שָׂ֭רִים (rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

refrained
עָצְר֣וּ (‘ā·ṣə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6113: To inclose, to hold back, to maintain, rule, assemble

from speaking
בְמִלִּ֑ים (ḇə·mil·lîm)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4405: A word, a discourse, a topic

and covered
יָשִׂ֥ימוּ (yā·śî·mū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

their mouths
לְפִיהֶֽם׃ (lə·p̄î·hem)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

with their hands.
וְ֝כַ֗ף (wə·ḵap̄)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3709: Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan

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