Job 29:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Psalmist likewise speaks for one tormented by evil spirits, "I have grown old in the midst of all my enemies" (Ps. 6:8). Even a vigilant mind, when surrounded by spiritual adversaries, earthly neighbors, or influenced by the habits of a former way of life, becomes 'aged.' Yet, if we begin to reflect upon our daily sufferings with diligence through prayer, study, and righteous living, we find ourselves continually renewed; for our lives, washed with tears and devoted to good works, are perpetually restored through this renewal. The blessed Job, in recounting his own life, mirrors our own experiences. The Holy Church grieves when she sees her faithful slipping back into the sins of their former lives, mourning those who lose their internal renewal. The great preacher reminds his followers, "For who is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are ye not even in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?" (1 Thess. 2:19). The Holy Church laments the loss of her glory when she witnesses her faithful returning to an old way of life. My glory must continuously be vibrant within me, as she observes those she believed to be drawn into a new life now burdened by past desires.

In Scripture, the term 'bow' can signify various meanings: the schemes of the wicked, the Day of Judgment, or the sacred oracles themselves. The plans of the wicked are indicated by the bow, such as when the Psalmist writes, "They draw their bow, a thing of bitterness" (Psalm 63:4). 'The bow' also denotes the Day of Judgment, as when it is recorded, "You have shown Your people hard things... You have given a sign to those who fear You, that they may draw out the bow" (Psalms 59:5-6). Just as the bowstring is drawn back, and the arrow is released, the longer the judgment is delayed, the sharper it may be when it finally arrives. Thus, we endure various trials and tribulations, preparing us for transformation. The initial declaration, "You have shown Your people harsh things," refers to the present calamities that foreshadow the Day of Judgment, urging us to prepare for what is to come. "You have made us drink the wine of contrition," reflects on how earthly joys must yield to sorrow. The sign for those who revere You is to bow down, indicating that now is the time for mercy before the impending judgment arrives. The present struggles are merely a precursor to the merciless judgment we will face from Him who administers grace, albeit through hardships today.

At times, Scripture itself is signified by 'the bow.' It symbolizes the Church's bow, or the Lord's bow, from which stern judgments pierce the hearts of men like arrows. Thus, the Psalmist affirms, "He drew His bow and made it ready; He made ready the instruments of death; He ordained His arrows against the persecutors" (Psalm 7:13-14). The Lord 'drew His bow' by promising prophetic warnings for the unrepentant. In this same bow, He 'prepared vessels of death,' condemning those who refuse to change. He 'made His arrows to burn,' sending forth fiery pronouncements against those whom He seeks to transform through fear. Isaiah indicates that the preachers go forth "with arrows and bows" (Isaiah 7:24) to pierce the hardened hearts of the Gentiles with the sharp words of truth. Here, the 'bow' refers to the Holy Revelation; the New Testament is the arrow, and the Old Testament acts as the bow's curvature. When the arrow is shot from the bow, it signifies that as the New Testament is embraced, the rigidity of the Old Testament gives way to a new spiritual understanding. The spiritual and tender commandments bend the formerly rigid requirements of the Old. Hence, the arrow symbolizes the New Testament originating from the Incarnation of Christ. This revelation emerges from the bent bow, illustrating how the New Covenant clarifies and transforms the sternness of the Old into deeper spiritual meanings. Thus, the holy prophet states, "My glory shall always be fresh in me, and my bow shall be renewed in my hand."

'The bow in the hand' represents the application of Scripture in daily life. One who holds 'the bow' actively practices the divine truths learned. Therefore, 'the bow is renewed in hand' when the teachings of Holy Revelation are diligently enacted in life. Similarly, Solomon describes the soldiers of spiritual warfare by saying, "All who hold swords are well-prepared for battle" (Song of Songs 3:8), where 'sword' signifies the Divine Scriptures as conveyed by Paul, who refers to it as "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Eph. 6:17). Notably, Solomon does not mention 'all who possess,' but 'all who hold' swords, emphasizing the necessity of not only knowing the Word of God but also living it out. Thus, one does not truly wield the sword who understands the Divine Revelation but fails to live by it, and such a person is unprepared for spiritual warfare, incapable of resisting temptation while neglecting to bear the Word of God. The Holy Church, overwhelmed by impending tribulations and recognizing how many are poor in spirit while few are righteous, echoes the sentiments of blessed Job, proclaiming, "I will die in my nest, and I will multiply my days like a palm tree. By waters the root shall be opened, and the dew shall remain on my crop; my glory shall always be fresh in me, and my bow shall be renewed in my hand." Observing the plight of all things, she never misplaced her hopes. Many now appear virtuous and seem to support her, yet during persecution, testing arises, and more become her adversaries than were her subjects in peace. The disillusioned are often those once steadfast in faith, transforming into more vehement foes, acting contrary to the sacred words they once upheld in preaching. We lament for those within the Church who, rejecting practical application of their understanding, shy away from this divine Revelation. Turning from the truth, they fall prey to falsehoods, neglecting what belongs to Christ. Though the words of God are continually present, few seek to know them deeply. Let the faithful grieve for those whose 'bows are broken' while remaining hopeful that the Holy Revelation will be revitalized through the endeavors of those who follow.

Holy Scripture stands unmatched above all forms of knowledge and teaching; it declares eternal truths as it invites readers away from worldly entanglements into the embrace of heavenly pursuits. Its profound declarations strengthen the steadfast and gently encourage the vulnerable. It remains neither overly obscure nor excessively simplistic, providing solace from fatigue while deepening delight with contemplation. It elevates the mind of the reader step by step, gradually raising it from earthly desires to loftier truths. The text adapts to those who engage with it, often reiterating fundamental truths for the novice while offering new insights to the seasoned reader. Even without dwelling on the weighty importance of its teachings, it is evident that it surpasses all other forms of knowledge through its masterful delivery, interweaving mysteries, recounting history, and simultaneously revealing future promises. Holy Scripture uniquely communicates what is yet to come while maintaining the integrity of its narrative. In this sequential discourse, Job’s experiences not only relate to his own struggles but also echo our lives, intertwining his afflictions with those of the Holy Church.