Does He not see my ways
This phrase emphasizes God's omniscience, a central theme in the Book of Job. Job asserts that God is fully aware of his actions and intentions. This reflects the belief that God is all-seeing, as seen in Proverbs 15:3, which states, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." The cultural context of the ancient Near East often included the idea of gods being distant or uninterested in human affairs, but the God of Israel is portrayed as intimately involved in the lives of His people. This awareness of God's watchful presence is meant to encourage righteous living and accountability.

and count my every step?
Here, Job speaks to the meticulous nature of God's observation, suggesting that not only does God see the general direction of one's life, but He also takes note of each individual action. This aligns with Psalm 139:2-3, which describes God's knowledge of our sitting down and rising up, and His understanding of our thoughts from afar. The phrase underscores the belief in divine justice, where every action is weighed and considered. In a broader biblical context, this meticulous accounting can be seen as a precursor to the final judgment, where every deed is brought to light, as described in Revelation 20:12. This also points to the need for integrity and faithfulness, knowing that nothing escapes God's notice.

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith.

2. God
The omniscient and omnipresent Creator, who is the ultimate judge of human actions and thoughts. In this verse, Job acknowledges God's all-seeing nature.

3. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia. It is where Job lived and experienced his trials.

4. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to offer counsel and challenge his understanding of suffering and righteousness.

5. Satan
The adversary who challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that his faithfulness is due to his prosperity and protection from God.God's Omniscience
God sees and knows all our actions and thoughts. This should encourage us to live with integrity, knowing that nothing is hidden from Him.

Integrity in Suffering
Job's declaration is part of his defense of his integrity. Even in suffering, we are called to maintain our righteousness and trust in God's justice.

Accountability
Recognizing that God counts our every step should lead us to a life of accountability, where we are mindful of our actions and their alignment with God's will.

Comfort in God's Knowledge
For the believer, God's omniscience is a source of comfort, knowing that He is aware of our struggles and is with us in every step.

Self-Examination
Job's statement invites us to examine our own lives and consider whether we are living in a way that is pleasing to God, knowing He sees all.Top 10 Lessons from Job 31

How do Job’s self-imposed curses in Job 31 compare with New Testament passages emphasizing mercy and forgiveness?

Do you wish to prosper and be in good health?

Is God unjust to forget?

In Job 35:6–7, how can Elihu claim human obedience or sin does not affect God when other passages suggest God is personally impacted by human actions? (4) Doth not he.--The "He" is emphatic, obviously meaning God. His appeal is to the All-seeing knowledge of God, whom nothing escapes, and who is judge of the hearts and reins (Psalm 7:9; Psalm 44:21; Jeremiah 17:10; Jeremiah 20:12). (Comp. Acts 25:11.)

Verse 4. - Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps? (see above, Job 7:18-20; and below, Job 34:21. Comp. also Psalm 139:3; Proverbs 5:21; Proverbs 15:3, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Does He
ה֭וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

not
הֲלֹא־ (hă·lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

see
יִרְאֶ֣ה (yir·’eh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

my ways
דְרָכָ֑י (ḏə·rā·ḵāy)
Noun - common plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

and count
יִסְפּֽוֹר׃ (yis·pō·wr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate

my every
וְֽכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

step?
צְעָדַ֥י (ṣə·‘ā·ḏay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6806: A pace, regular step


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OT Poetry: Job 31:4 Doesn't he see my ways and number (Jb)