Job 29:13 - Exposition

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me (comp. Job 29:11 ). Oppression in the East sometimes drives its victims to actual starvation or to suicide. Isaiah calls the oppressors against whom he inveighs "murderers" ( Isaiah 1:21 ). These "perishing" ones Job often saved, and they "blessed" him. And I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy . How cold are the words of Ameni, "No widow have I oppressed," compared with these! Job was not content with mere abstinence from evil, mere negative virtue. He so actively and effectually relieved distress that affliction was turned into happiness, and lamentation into rejoicing.