The Pulpit Commentary on Job 23:3

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

A great question answered.

I. THE RECORDED QUESTION. "Oh that I knew where I might find him!"

1. Necessary; since man does not naturally understand either where or how to find God (Romans 1:28; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Ephesians 4:18).

2. Important; since only in the finding and knowing God lies the secret of true happiness (Job 22:21) and the pathway to eternal life (John 17:3).

3. Personal; since no man can find God for his neighbour, but every individual for himself alone (Ecclesiastes 11:9; Romans 2:6; Galatians 6:5).

4. Urgent; since the present is the only moment a soul can count upon for putting such a question (Proverbs 27:1; 2 Corinthians 6:2).

II. THE UNWRITTEN ANSWER. God is to be found:

1. In the Person of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19), as opposed to the temple of nature, which may speak of God (Psalms 19:1; Romans 1:20), but does not unveil his presence like the Incarnation.

2. In the shrine of the human spirit (John 4:23, John 4:24), as opposed to definite localities. For the truly spiritual worshipper every spot of ground on which he stands is consecrated.

3. In the contrite heart (Isaiah 57:15), as opposed to the soul of the unbeliever.

Learn:

1. The necessity of earnestness in seeking God.

2. The certainty of finding God, if sought in faith.

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