\\INTRODUCTION TO JOB 23\\

This and the following chapter contain Job's reply to the last oration
of Eliphaz; in this he first declares his present sorrowful estate and
condition, \\#Job 23:1,2\\; wishes he knew where to find God, as a judge
sitting on a throne, before whom he might lay his cause, and plead it,
and have his judgment and final decision passed upon it; when he
doubted not but he would deal favourably with him, and both admit him
and strengthen him, to plead his own cause, and would acquit him for
ever from the charges laid against him, \\#Job 23:3-7\\; in order to which
he sought for him everywhere, but could not find him, but contents
himself with this, that God knew his way; and that, after trial of him,
he should shine like pure gold, and appear to be no apostate from him,
but one sincerely obedient to his commands, and a true lover of his
word, \\#Job 23:8-12\\; and as for his afflictions, they were the result of
the unalterable purposes and appointments of God: but what gave him the
greatest uneasiness was, that there were more of that sort yet to come,
which filled him with fears and faintings, with trouble and darkness,
\\#Job 23:13-17\\.