Job 16:19
Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high.
Even now

Job’s appeal rises from the depths of present suffering, not merely from hope for a future vindication. Though his body is wasting away and his friends judge him harshly, he remains conscious that God sees his case fully.

Jhn 11:22 But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask…
Psa 73:23-24 Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.…
Lam 3:24-26 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, …

my witness is in heaven,

No earthly observer can accurately testify to Job’s integrity, but the God of heaven knows that Job has not secretly abandoned Him. Job appeals beyond the false conclusions of men to the perfect knowledge and justice of the heavenly court.

Psa 89:37 like the moon, established forever, a faithful witness…
Jhn 8:18 I am One who testifies about Myself, and the Father, who sent Me…
1Jn 5:9 Even if we accept human testimony, the testimony of God…

and my advocate is on high.

Job looks to One with authority to speak for him before God. His confidence anticipates the fuller revelation of Christ, who is the believer’s righteous Advocate and intercessor before the Father (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25).

1Jn 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you……
Heb 8:1 The point of what we are saying is this:…
Heb 7:25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near…

Persons / Places / Events
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, enduring immense suffering and loss.

2. Heaven
The dwelling place of God, often depicted as a place of divine authority and justice.

3. Witness
In this context, Job refers to a heavenly figure who testifies on his behalf, possibly alluding to God Himself or a divine advocate.

4. Advocate
A term suggesting someone who pleads or intercedes on behalf of another, indicating a role of support and defense.

5. Job's Suffering
The backdrop of this verse is Job's intense suffering and his search for understanding and vindication amidst his trials.
Teaching Points
Heavenly Advocacy
Job's declaration of a witness and advocate in heaven points to the assurance believers have in divine advocacy. In times of trial, Christians can find comfort knowing that Jesus intercedes for them.

Faith Amidst Suffering
Despite his suffering, Job maintains his faith in a higher justice. This teaches believers to hold onto their faith even when circumstances seem unjust or incomprehensible.

The Role of Witnesses
The concept of a witness in heaven emphasizes the importance of truth and integrity. Believers are encouraged to live lives that reflect God's truth, knowing that their ultimate vindication comes from Him.

Divine Justice
Job's confidence in a heavenly advocate underscores the belief in God's ultimate justice. Christians are reminded that while earthly justice may fail, divine justice prevails.

Perseverance in Faith
Job's perseverance is a model for enduring faith. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, trusting in God's plan and timing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job's understanding of a witness in heaven influence your perspective on divine justice and advocacy?

2. In what ways can the concept of Jesus as our advocate provide comfort during personal trials?

3. How can Job's faith amidst suffering inspire you to maintain your faith in difficult times?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your life reflects the truth and integrity that God, as our witness, desires?

5. How can the assurance of divine justice impact your response to situations where you feel wronged or misunderstood?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Hebrews 7:25
This verse speaks of Jesus as our eternal intercessor, connecting to the idea of an advocate in heaven.

1 John 2:1
Refers to Jesus Christ as our advocate with the Father, reinforcing the concept of divine advocacy.

Psalm 89:37
Discusses the faithfulness of God, which can be linked to the reliability of a witness in heaven.
Deep Dejection and Irrepressible HopeE. Johnson Job 16:1-22
A Good Man's ConfidenceJohn Donne.Job 16:17-19
The Trite Witness of LifeG. Brooks.Job 16:17-19
The Appeal of Innocence to the Highest TribunalR. Green Job 16:19, 20
The Witness in HeavenW.F. Adeney Job 16:19, 20
People
Job, Ruffians
Places
Uz
Topics
Advocate, Behold, Cause, Heaven, Heavens, Heights, Places, Record, Supporter, Testifier, Testifieth, Vouches, Voucheth, Witness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 16:19-21

     6682   mediation
     6684   mediator

Library
Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician .
To Theoctista, Patrician [153] . Gregory to Theoctista, &c. We ought to give great thanks to Almighty God, that our most pious and most benignant Emperors have near them kinsfolk of their race, whose life and conversation is such as to give us all great joy. Hence too we should continually pray for these our lords, that their life, with that of all who belong to them, may by the protection of heavenly grace be preserved through long and tranquil times. I have to inform you, however, that I have
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face.
1. The phrase scriptural.--2. It signifies the withdrawing the tokens of the divine favor.--3 chiefly as to spiritual considerations.--4. This may become the case of any Christian.--5. and will be found a very sorrowful one.--6. The following directions, therefore, are given to those who suppose it to be their own: To inquire whether it be indeed a case of spiritual distress, or whether a disconsolate frame may not proceed from indisposition of body,--7. or difficulties as to worldly circumstances.--8,
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by Angels to the Shepherds.
(Near Bethlehem, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 8-20. ^c 8 And there were shepherds in the same country [they were in the same fields from which David had been called to tend God's Israel, or flock] abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. [When the flock is too far from the village to lead it to the fold at night, these shepherds still so abide with it in the field, even in the dead of winter.] 9 And an angel of the Lord stood by them [He stood upon the earth at their side, and did
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
Preached August 19TH, 1688 [ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR] This sermon, although very short, is peculiarly interesting: how it was preserved we are not told; but it bears strong marks of having been published from notes taken by one of the hearers. There is no proof that any memorandum or notes of this sermon was found in the autograph of the preacher. In the list of Bunyan's works published by Chas. Doe, at the end of the 'Heavenly Footman,' March 1690, it stands No. 44. He professes to give the title-page,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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