How does Job 29:20 reflect Job's confidence in God's blessings and favor? Setting the Scene “‘My glory is ever new with me, and my bow is renewed in my hand.’ ” (Job 29:20) Job is reminiscing about life before his trials. He recalls a season when God’s favor was so real and present that his honor stayed fresh and his strength kept being replenished. Two Key Phrases, One Steady Confidence • “My glory is ever new with me” – Glory here speaks of esteem, dignity, and honor God had granted him (cf. Proverbs 3:16). – “Ever new” shows Job viewed that honor as continually refreshed, not fading with time. – He credits God, not himself, for this ongoing renewal (Psalm 62:7). • “My bow is renewed in my hand” – The bow symbolizes vitality, readiness, and authority—essential tools for a patriarch defending his household (Genesis 49:24). – “Renewed” pictures consistent strengthening, echoing “mercies…new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). – Job believed God kept refitting him for each day’s challenges (Isaiah 40:31). What the Imagery Shows About Job’s Confidence • Expectation of continual refreshment – He did not fear diminishing returns; he expected fresh supplies of grace (Psalm 92:12-14). • Recognition of God as the source – Both “glory” and “bow” lie outside human self-manufacture; they are gifts from above (James 1:17). • Unbroken fellowship with the Lord – Job’s confidence sprang from a relationship in which blessing flowed without interruption (Psalm 23:6). • Assurance of protection and purpose – A maintained bow meant he remained God-enabled to protect family, judge disputes, bless the needy (Job 29:7-17). Echoes in Other Scriptures • Psalm 103:5—“who satisfies you with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” • 2 Corinthians 4:16—“our inner self is being renewed day by day” • Joshua 14:11—Caleb testifies his strength was “as strong…as on the day that Moses sent me” All reinforce the pattern: God delights to keep His servants fresh, strong, and useful. Living It Out Today • Trust daily in God’s “new mercies,” not yesterday’s reserves. • Measure success by God-given honor, not fleeting applause. • Keep your “bow” ready—skills, resources, and influence consecrated for righteous use. • Talk about God’s past faithfulness the way Job did; rehearsing history strengthens present confidence. |
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