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Job 1:10
Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

Job 15:8
Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?

Psalm 25:14
The secret of the LORDis with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

when the friendship of God rested on my tent
The "friendship of God" indicates a close, personal relationship with the Divine, characterized by favor and protection. In the Old Testament, God's presence was often symbolized by His "resting" on a place, as seen with the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35). The "tent" here symbolizes Job's household, suggesting that God's favor extended to his entire family and possessions. This imagery is reminiscent of the covenantal blessings promised to the patriarchs, such as Abraham, whose tent was also a place of divine encounter and blessing (Genesis 18:1-10). Theologically, this phrase highlights the intimacy and blessing of a life lived in accordance with God's will, a theme echoed in the New Testament with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers (John 14:23). It also foreshadows the ultimate friendship with God through Jesus Christ, who calls His followers friends (John 15:15).

“when I was in my prime” (Job 29:4a)

• Job is remembering days of vigor, influence, and stability—seasons when everything seemed to flourish. He is not boasting but mourning the loss of a season God Himself had granted.

• Scripture consistently acknowledges the gift of one’s prime:

–Psalm 71:17–18 speaks of God’s faithfulness “from my youth,” asking Him to remain present “even to old age and gray hairs.”

–Ecclesiastes 12:1 urges remembering the Creator “in the days of your youth” before hardships come.

–Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds Israel that it is the Lord who gives power to gain wealth, underlining that strength and success are gifts, not entitlements.

• Job’s reflection reveals a healthy perspective: past blessings are traced directly to God. Even in pain he does not rewrite history to make himself the source of former prosperity (compareJob 1:21).

• For us, the passage invites gratitude during seasons of strength and humility when those seasons wane, echoingPsalm 90:12’s plea, “Teach us to number our days.”

“when the friendship of God rested on my tent” (Job 29:4b)

• “Friendship” here conveys intimate fellowship. Job sensed God’s nearness not merely as Creator but as Companion.

• Abraham enjoyed a similar privilege; “Abraham believed God… and he was called a friend of God” (James 2:23; seeGenesis 18:17–19).

• Moses experienced it as well: “The LORD spoke with Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11).

•Psalm 25:14 affirms, “The LORD confides in those who fear Him,” showing that reverent relationship invites divine counsel.

• Job adds that this friendship “rested on my tent,” picturing God’s presence hovering over his household—much like the cloud over Israel’s camp (Numbers 9:15–23). The blessing was tangible, touching family, servants, and all holdings (Job 1:2–3).

• That sense of covering is echoed inPsalm 91:1, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

• Job’s anguish now is as much spiritual as physical; he feels the friendship withdrawn (Job 19:6–10), though in reality God remains sovereignly involved (Job 42:7–10).

Job 29:4 captures nostalgic longing for two intertwined blessings: personal vitality and intimate fellowship with God. Job remembers a time when his life was strong and God’s favor clearly rested on his home. The verse teaches that (1) seasons of strength are gifts from God, worthy of gratitude, and (2) the highest blessing is God’s nearness, not material prosperity. Even when circumstances change, the faithful can trust that God’s friendship ultimately endures, as Job himself discovers in the closing chapter of the book.

The secret of God.--Or,the counsel of God.