The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job didn't just avoid hurting vulnerable people; he actively intervened to save those on the brink of ruin and brought them such profound relief that their "blessings"—their heartfelt prayers and good wishes—came upon him. He didn't just let widows be, he "caused their hearts to sing for joy" through his direct actions of defense and deliverance.
The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job is reminiscing about his former life of respect and influence before his suffering began. He's describing how he actively sought out and defended the vulnerable, like those on the brink of ruin and widows who were easy targets for oppression. He wasn't just passively avoiding wrong; he was a proactive force for justice, turning despair into joy for those he helped.
Job describes the 'blessing of him that was ready to perish.' What does that sound like, and how did Job bring it about?
In this chapter, Job is reminiscing about his days of prosperity and influence. He wasn't just a successful man; he was a rescuer. When someone was facing utter ruin—losing their life or livelihood to injustice or extreme poverty—their prayers and praises, their 'blessing,' would fall upon Job.
This wasn't passive empathy; it was active intervention. Job's integrity and authority meant he could step in, investigate, and turn the tide for those facing destruction. He became the channel through which God's deliverance flowed to the desperate.
Why does the widow's joy specifically stand out? What does it reveal about Job's character and his impact?
Job doesn't just mention general relief; he highlights the 'widow's heart' singing for joy. In ancient society, widows were particularly vulnerable, often facing exploitation and lacking protection.
Job's actions directly countered this. By defending their causes, relieving their needs, and punishing their oppressors, he didn't just stop their suffering – he actively brought them joy. Their 'singing' wasn't just relief; it was an expression of restored hope and security, a testament to Job's profound impact on the most defenseless.
Understand the original words
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almanah · Hebrew Noun
A legal and relational status of those without a husband or male protector, often linked to the poor and fatherless as objects of God’s specific command for social justice.
Job's reflection on his past righteousness highlights the deep-seated cultural and legal emphasis on protecting widows and the vulnerable in ancient Near Eastern societies, making his defense of his character particularly poignant.
c. 8th century BC
Development of Ancient Israelite Law
The legal and social structures of ancient Israelite society took shape, emphasizing the protection of vulnerable groups like widows and orphans.
c. 6th century BC
Wisdom Literature Flourishes
Books like Proverbs offer counsel on justice and compassion, providing a cultural backdrop that values the protection of the defenseless. Job's narrative likely circulates during this era.
Undated, but likely reflects ancient Near Eastern social dynamics— this verse
Job's Period of Great Prosperity and Justice
Job recounts his active engagement in upholding justice, defending the oppressed, and providing for the needy during his days of wealth and influence.
Undated, during Job's trials
Job's Suffering and Accusations
Job faces immense personal tragedy and is accused by his friends of wrongdoing, leading him to defend his past integrity and righteous actions.
This passage echoes Job's sentiment by calling for justice and specifically mentioning defending the fatherless and pleading for the widow, highlighting the shared theme of active protection for the vulnerable.
Proverbs 31:8-9These verses provide a direct parallel, instructing leaders to 'speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves' and to 'ensure justice for all who are destitute,' reinforcing the responsibility Job describes.
Luke 7:22When John the Baptist asks if Jesus is the Coming One, Jesus points to his miracles, including that 'the poor have the gospel preached to them,' reflecting a similar compassionate ministry to those in need.
James 1:27This verse defines true religion as 'care for orphans and widows in their distress,' offering a theological framework for the kind of compassionate action Job exemplified as a core spiritual duty.
bensonJob 29:13: "The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy."
Job 29:13 . The blessing of him that was ready to perish — Who was in danger of losing his life or estate, by the malice and tyranny of wicked men; came upon me — Both he, and others for his sake, blessed me, and begged that God would bless me. I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy — For her great and unexpected deliverance. Widows are the common objects of injuries and o…
gillJob 29:13: "The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy."
The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me,.... That were ready to perish through the oppression of others, or through want of the necessaries of life, or through false charges brought, and through false witness bore against them, and so liable to a sentence of condemnation to death, or having it passed upon them; but Job taking their part, and searching thoroug…
Job didn't just avoid hurting vulnerable people; he actively intervened to save those on the brink of ruin and brought them such profound relief that their "blessings"—their heartfelt prayers and good wishes—came upon him. He didn't just let widows be, he "caused their hearts to sing for joy" through his direct actions of defense and deliverance.
Job is reminiscing about his former life of respect and influence before his suffering began. He's describing how he actively sought out and defended the vulnerable, like those on the brink of ruin and widows who were easy targets for oppression. He wasn't just passively avoiding wrong; he was a proactive force for justice, turning despair into joy for those he helped.
Job is reminiscing about his former life of respect and influence before his suffering began. He's describing how he actively sought out and defended the vulnerable, like those on the brink of ruin and widows who were easy targets for oppression. He wasn't just passively avoiding wrong; he was a proactive force for justice, turning despair into joy for those he helped.
"The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy." — Job didn't just avoid hurting vulnerable people; he actively intervened to save those on the brink of ruin and brought them such profound relief that their "blessings"—their heartfelt prayers and goo…
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Last reviewed October 2026