3 When his candle [1] shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;

Other Translations of Job 29:3

New International Version

3 when his lamp shone on my head and by his light I walked through darkness!

English Standard Version

3 when his lamp shone upon my head, and by his light I walked through darkness,

The Message

3 He always held a lamp before me and I walked through the dark by its light.

New King James Version

3 When His lamp shone upon my head, And when by His light I walked through darkness;

New Living Translation

3 when he lit up the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 29:3

Commentary on Job 29:1-6

(Read Job 29:1-6)

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, though it be but a cottage, makes it a castle and a palace. Then also he had comfort in his family. Riches and flourishing families, like a candle, may be soon 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 Yet the sensible comfort of this state is often withdrawn for a season; and commonly this arises from sinful neglect, and grieving the Holy Spirit: sometimes it may be a trial of a man's faith and grace.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 needful to examine ourselves, to seek for the cause of such a change by fervent prayer, and to increase our watchfulness.