Job: I Know That My Redeemer Lives – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary

Executive Summary ✨

Job 19, a pivotal chapter in the Book of Job, showcases Job’s unwavering faith amidst unimaginable suffering. Abandoned by friends and seemingly forsaken by God, Job passionately declares his belief in his Redeemer, expressing a profound hope for vindication in the afterlife. This chapter reveals the depth of Job’s spiritual struggle, highlighting his conviction that even in death, his relationship with God endures. The passage is rife with expressions of grief, frustration, and a yearning for justice, yet it ultimately culminates in a powerful affirmation of faith: “I know that my Redeemer Lives.” This declaration serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the enduring power of faith amidst overwhelming adversity. We will explore the spiritual significance of this chapter, anchoring our understanding in the rich traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Job 19 provides a powerful affirmation of faith amidst immense suffering. Even when abandoned by friends and experiencing intense physical and emotional pain, Job declares, “I know that my Redeemer Lives.” This statement, the **focus key phrase** for this analysis, becomes a cornerstone of hope, reflecting Job’s unwavering belief in eventual vindication and a restored relationship with God. This commentary will explore the depth of Job’s faith, the context of his suffering, and the enduring relevance of his message for Christians today.

Commentary Sections 📖

Job 19:1-6 – Job Laments His Affliction

Then Job answered and said: “How long will you torment my soul, And break me in pieces with words? These ten times you have reproached me; You are not ashamed that you have wronged me. And if indeed I have erred, My error remains with me. If indeed you exalt yourselves against me, And plead my disgrace as my proof, Know then that God has wronged me, And has surrounded me with His net. (NKJV)

Job begins by expressing his exasperation with his friends. He feels tormented by their constant reproaches. The phrase “break me in pieces with words” illustrates the devastating impact of their accusations. He emphasizes that he has been wronged, feeling trapped by God’s actions. This echoes the human struggle to understand suffering and the seeming silence of God.

Spiritual Application: When facing criticism, remember that words can be deeply damaging. Strive to offer constructive support rather than harsh judgment. Seek discernment to understand the source of suffering, remembering that God’s ways are often beyond human comprehension.

Job 19:7-12 – God Has Blocked My Way

“If I cry out concerning wrong, I am not heard. If I cry aloud, there is no justice. He has fenced up my way, so that I cannot pass; And He has set darkness in my paths. He has stripped me of my glory, And taken the crown from my head. He breaks me down on every side, And I am gone; My hope He has uprooted like a tree. He has also kindled His wrath against me, And He counts me as one of His enemies. His troops come together And build up their road against me; They encamp all around my tent. (NKJV)

Job describes his feeling of being trapped and abandoned. He feels that God has unjustly opposed him, blocking his path and stripping him of his honor. His hope is uprooted, leaving him with a sense of utter desolation. The language here is evocative of military siege, implying an overwhelming force against him. This evokes Psalm 22:1, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?”.

Spiritual Application: In times of perceived abandonment, remember that even in the darkest moments, God is present. Hold onto faith and continue to seek Him, even when you don’t understand His plan. Remember the words of St. Athanasius: “Ὁ Θεὸς ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν.” (“God became man so that we might become God,” Athanasius, *De Incarnatione*, 54.3).

Job: I Know That My Redeemer Lives (19:13-19) – Abandoned by Loved Ones

“He has removed my brothers far from me, And my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. My relatives have failed, And my close friends have forgotten me. Those who dwell in my house, and my maidservants, Count me as a stranger; I am an alien in their sight. I call my servant, but he gives no answer; I beg him with my mouth. My breath is offensive to my wife, And I am repulsive to the children of my own body. Even young children despise me; I arise, and they speak against me. All my close friends abhor me, And those whom I love have turned against me. (NKJV)

This passage emphasizes Job’s isolation. Not only is he suffering physically, but he is also abandoned by his family and friends. This social isolation compounds his pain, highlighting the importance of community and support in times of hardship. The phrase “My breath is offensive to my wife” speaks volumes about the extent of his affliction. This brings to mind the words of St. Isaac the Syrian: “Θλῖψις δὲ ἄμωμος ἀνεγείρει νοῦν” (“Guiltless tribulation raises the mind,” *Ascetical Homilies*, Homily 5).

Spiritual Application: When facing isolation, remember that you are not alone. Turn to God for comfort and strength. Be compassionate towards those who are suffering, offering support and understanding rather than judgment. Consider accessing mental health services. You can find information about mental health services online.

Job 19:20-22 – My Skin Clings to My Bones

My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh, And I have escaped with the skin of my teeth. Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends, For the hand of God has struck me! Why do you persecute me as God does, And are not satisfied with my flesh? (NKJV)

Job pleads with his friends for compassion, describing the severity of his physical suffering. He feels persecuted by both God and his friends, unable to find relief from his pain. “My bone clings to my skin” vividly depicts his emaciated state. He yearns for understanding and empathy from his companions.

Spiritual Application: Remember that suffering is a reality of human existence. When witnessing the pain of others, offer compassion and support. Pray for those who are afflicted, asking God to grant them strength and healing.

Job: I Know That My Redeemer Lives (19:23-27) – The Climax of Faith

“Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book! That they were engraved on a rock With an iron pen and lead, forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (NKJV)

This is the centerpiece of Job 19 and a profound statement of faith. Despite his suffering, Job declares, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” This is not merely a hope but a conviction. He anticipates a future vindication, a resurrection where he will see God in his flesh. This foreshadows the Christian understanding of the resurrection and eternal life. This powerful declaration, **Job: I Know That My Redeemer Lives**, is the focus of this commentary. The Fathers have interpreted this passage in light of Christ’s resurrection. St. Cyril of Alexandria, for example, saw in Job’s words a prefigurement of the believer’s hope in Christ: “Διὰ τοῦτο οὖν πιστεύομεν ὅτι ἀναστησόμεθα σωματικῶς, καθὼς καὶ ὁ Κύριος ἀνέστη.” (“Therefore, we believe that we will rise bodily, just as the Lord rose,” Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on John*, Book 12, Ch. 20). The yearning in his heart reflects a deep desire for communion with God.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate an unwavering faith in the Redeemer. Meditate on the resurrection of Christ and the promise of eternal life. Allow this hope to sustain you through trials and tribulations. Remember that even in the face of death, our relationship with God endures.

Job 19:28-29 – Fear the Sword

You should say, ‘Why do we persecute him?’ Since the root of the matter is found in me.’ Be afraid of the sword for yourselves; For wrath brings the punishment of the sword, That you may know there is a judgment.” (NKJV)

Job warns his friends about the consequences of their judgment. He reminds them that God will ultimately judge all actions. They should fear the sword of divine justice. This serves as a call to humility and repentance.

Spiritual Application: Exercise caution in judging others. Remember that God is the ultimate judge. Focus on self-examination and repentance, seeking to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Subtopic Sections 🕊️

The declaration, “I know that my Redeemer Lives,” echoes throughout scripture and Christian tradition. Here are some key reflections:

• Resurrection Hope: This verse points to the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life, as exemplified in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22.
• Christ as Redeemer: In Christian theology, Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate Redeemer, who paid the price for humanity’s sins, offering salvation and reconciliation with God. (Galatians 3:13)
• Inner Transformation: Job’s statement is not merely an intellectual assent but a deep conviction rooted in his relationship with God, even amidst suffering. It underscores the importance of personal faith and inner transformation.
• Enduring Faith: This declaration is a testament to the power of faith amidst immense adversity. It encourages believers to persevere, knowing that God is present, even in the darkest of times.
• Patristic Significance: The Church Fathers often cited this verse to emphasize the reality of the resurrection. Origen writes, “Si quis autem dicat, quia non habemus resurrectionem, attendat verba Job dicentis: ‘Scio enim quod redemptor meus vivit, et in novissimo die de terra surrecturus sum, et rursum circumdabor cute mea, et in carne mea videbo Deum meum, quem ego ipse visurus sum et oculi mei conspecturi sunt, et non alius.’” (“If anyone says that we do not have a resurrection, let him attend to the words of Job saying: ‘For I know that my redeemer lives, and on the last day I will rise again from the earth, and again I will be surrounded by my skin, and in my flesh I will see my God, whom I myself will see and my eyes will behold, and not another,'” Origen, *De Principiis*, 2.10.3).
• Divine Justice: Job’s hope is not only in his physical resurrection, but also in ultimate divine justice that will vindicate him.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Job 19:

• Q: What does Job mean by “Redeemer”?
• A: In this context, “Redeemer” refers to someone who will ultimately vindicate Job and restore his relationship with God. For Christians, this points to Jesus Christ, who redeems humanity from sin and death.
• Q: How does Job’s statement relate to the resurrection?
• A: Job’s anticipation of seeing God in his flesh after his skin is destroyed is interpreted as a foreshadowing of the resurrection. It suggests a future bodily resurrection where believers will be reunited with God.
• Q: Why is Job’s declaration considered so important?
• A: Because it represents an unwavering faith in the face of unimaginable suffering. It is a testament to the power of hope and the enduring nature of the relationship between God and humanity.
• Q: How can I apply Job’s faith to my own life?
• A: By cultivating a deep and personal relationship with God, even in the midst of trials. By meditating on the resurrection of Christ and the promise of eternal life. And by remembering that even when you feel abandoned, God is present.

Conclusion ✨

Job 19, particularly the verse “I know that my Redeemer Lives,” stands as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of suffering. Despite facing physical pain, social isolation, and perceived divine abandonment, Job clung to his faith and declared his belief in a future vindication. This powerful declaration serves as a reminder of the Christian hope in the resurrection and eternal life. The **focus key phrase**, “Job: I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” emphasizes the centrality of faith in the face of adversity. It is a call to cultivate an unwavering trust in God and to persevere, knowing that He will ultimately bring justice and restoration. Let Job’s example inspire us to hold fast to our faith, even when we cannot understand God’s plan, and to proclaim with conviction, “I know that my Redeemer Lives.”

Tags

Job, Redeemer, Faith, Suffering, Resurrection, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Bible Commentary, Patristic Theology, Divine Justice

Meta Description

Explore Job 19 – “Job: I Know That My Redeemer Lives” – with a Coptic Orthodox commentary. Discover the depth of Job’s faith, the hope of resurrection, and the power of redemption.