Matthew Henry Commentary Job 29:1-6

"And Job again took up his parable, and said, Oh that I were as in the months of old, As in the days when God watched over me; When his lamp shined upon my head, And by his light I walked through darkness; As I was in the ripeness of my days, When the friendship of God was upon my tent; When the Almighty was yet with me, And my children were about me; When my steps were washed with butter, And the rock poured me out streams of oil!" — Job 29:1-6 (ASV)

Job proceeds to contrast his former prosperity with his present misery, through God's withdrawing from him. A gracious soul delights in God's smiles, not in the smiles of this world. Four things were then very pleasant to holy Job.

1. The confidence he had in the Divine protection.
2. The enjoyment he had of the Divine favour.
3. The communion he had with the Divine word.
4. The assurance he had of the Divine presence.

God's presence with a man in his house, even if it is only a cottage, makes it a castle and a palace. Then he also had comfort in his family.

Riches and flourishing families, like a candle, may soon be extinguished.

But when the mind is enlightened by the Holy Spirit, when a man walks in the light of God's countenance, every outward comfort is doubled, every trouble is diminished, and he may pass cheerfully by this light through life and through death.

Yet the perceptible comfort of this state is often withdrawn for a season. Commonly, this arises from sinful neglect and grieving the Holy Spirit; sometimes it may be a trial of a man's faith and grace.

But it is necessary to examine ourselves, to seek for the cause of such a change by fervent prayer, and to increase our watchfulness.