"I Know My Redeemer Lives" - Job 19:25
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For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth; Job 19:25
Christ in the Scriptures: Job is Speaking of Jesus
Jesus as the Only Redeemer in Job 19:25
Although Jesus is not named in the Book of Job, He is the ONLY Redeemer Job could have been referring to when he says, "For I know that my redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth" (19:25).
No one else can be called our Redeemer who came to earth as a human being to die for us. No other book in the Bible includes such graphic detail of the problems and questions that believers wrestle with and skeptics ask. In this book are found the wide range of human hurts that Jesus identified with in His earthly life, as well as the ones He empathizes with as he intercedes for us in heaven (Hebrews 4:15).
The Hebrew Meaning of "Redeemer" as Vindicator and Protector
Job expresses his confidence in his living "Redeemer", which in this legal context may be translated "Vindicator" or "Protector of the Family Rights" (see Psalm 119:154; also Ruth 4:1 where the word is translated close relative).
Job's Longing for a Mediator Between God and Humanity
Some interpreters believe Job was referring to God, a view supported by the context of 17:3 and possibly by the mention of God in verse 26. However, the context of the Book of Job - Job's longing for a mediator (9:33) and his desire for someone to plead on his behalf with God (16:19-21) - may suggest that he was thinking of someone other than God. Here is a strong, resolute hope for a mediator between God and humanity.
Ultimately Job's longing for a vindicator or mediator was fulfilled in Jesus Christ (see 1 Timothy 2:5).
Job's Resolute FaithÂ
The Power of "I Know" - Job's Deep Conviction
Again, the redundant, emphatic pronoun "I" in the Hebrew text, as in verse 25, indicates a strong belief and deep conviction.
Expressing FaithÂ
This is a wonderful example of a sufferer passionately expressing his resolute faith even in the middle of a horrible situation.
God's answer to Job refuted the false belief that his friends, Eliphaz and Bildad were saying to Job. Both claimed that Job's suffering pointed to a hidden sin in Job's life, because God certainly would not punish an upright person (4:7-11; 8:11-22; 18:5-21).
So where did Job's counselors go wrong? Their mistake was that they misapplied an abstract truth. Yes, in the end God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. Moreover God Himself had declared to Moses that He would not leave the guilty unpunished (Exodus 34:7). But Job's friends did not have God's perspective on Job's situation. Like Jesus's disciples, they automatically assumed that when catastrophe struck, it was God's punishment on that person (see John 9:1-3). But Job's story and Jesus's response to His disciples (John 9:3) indicate that human suffering is not always the sign of God's judgment. In this fallen world, sometimes the innocent suffer. But even through their suffering, God accomplishes His good will. In Job's case, the enemy's false accusation was refuted and God's sovereignty was proven. The suffering of the blind man made it possible for Jesus to demonstrate His healing power and to transform the man into a witness to Jesus's deity (John 9:3; 30-33). Often our suffering or the suffering of others blinds us to the reality that the sovereign God is working His own good purposes through a fallen world.Â
God is Sovereign
The sovereign God is working His own good purposes through a fallen world.Â
"Then Job answered the Lord and said:" "I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You."
Job 42:2
Job's friends, Eliphaz and Bildad, claimed that Job's suffering pointed to a hidden sin in Job's life, because God certainly would not punish an upright person (4:7-11; 8:11-22; 18:5-21).
God's SovereigntyÂ
The Lord's Complete Sovereignty
The Lord declares Himself completely Sovereign. He is not obligated to bless those who obey Him. All His actions are based on His gracious nature and His own free will. In this way, the Book of Job is an extended refutation of the enemy's challenge that prosperity is connected to people's goodness, and consequently that people's suffering is connected to their sin.
Breaking Free from Preconceived Notions
In this way, the book of Job teaches that the Lord is not bound to anyone's preconceived notion. Elihu's speech on God's greatness and His sovereign majesty over nature (36:1-37:24) serves as a prelude to the climax of the book:
God's Hidden Plan and Benevolent Purpose
...the Lord's answer to Job (38:1-42:6). In His speech, God lowers Himself to Job's level in order to answer his questions. In the process, He reveals to ALL people that He is completely free but also truly good.
He is the sovereign and benevolent Creator who continues to determine the course of the universe according to His own hidden plan.
What does it mean to truly know your Redeemer lives?Â
This video captures the essence of Job's unshakeable faith in Job 19:25. As you listen and watch, consider how Job's declaration speaks directly to your circumstances today. His confidence in his living Redeemer remains one of the most powerful statements of faith in Scripture. Experience the Christ-centered hope found in this remarkable passage and carry Job's declaration into your own journey of faith.
Lessons from Job: Submitting to God's Good Plan
Just like Job, we must learn to submit to the Almighty God and accept by faith that He has a good plan for us.