83 lines
2.1 KiB
Markdown
83 lines
2.1 KiB
Markdown
Job's Final Claim of Innocence
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# Chapter 29
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1. Job continued his discourse, saying:
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2. If only I could be as in months gone by,
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in the days when God watched over me,
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3. when his lamp shone above my head,
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and I walked through darkness by his light!
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4. I would be as I was in the days of my youth
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when God's friendship rested on my tent,
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5. when the Almighty was still with me
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and my children were around me,
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6. when my feet were bathed in curds
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and the rock poured out streams of oil for me!
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7. When I went out to the city gate
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and took my seat in the town square,
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8. the young men saw me and withdrew,
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while older men stood to their feet.
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9. City officials stopped talking
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and covered their mouths with their hands.
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10. The noblemen's voices were hushed,
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and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths.
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11. When they heard me, they blessed me,
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and when they saw me, they spoke well of me.
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12. For I rescued the poor who cried out for help,
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and the fatherless child who had no one to support him.
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13. The dying blessed me,
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and I made the widow's heart rejoice.
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14. I clothed myself in righteousness,
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and it enveloped me;
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my just decisions were like a robe and a turban.
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15. I was eyes to the blind
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and feet to the lame.
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16. I was a father to the needy,
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and I examined the case of the stranger.
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17. I shattered the fangs of the unjust
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and snatched the prey from his teeth.
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18. So I thought, "I will die in my own nest
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and multiply my days as the sand.
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19. My roots will have access to water,
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and the dew will rest on my branches all night.
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20. My whole being will be refreshed within me,
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and my bow will be renewed in my hand."
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21. Men listened to me with expectation,
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waiting silently for my advice.
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22. After a word from me they did not speak again;
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my speech settled on them like dew.
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23. They waited for me as for the rain
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and opened their mouths as for spring showers.
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24. If I smiled at them, they couldn't believe it;
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they were thrilled at the light of my countenance.
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25. I directed their course and presided as chief.
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I lived as a king among his troops,
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like one who comforts those who mourn.
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