Job 33:26

He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.

Job 33:26 (KJV)

Context

The book of Job explores deep suffering and why bad things happen to good people. Here Elihu, one of Job’s friends, speaks about God’s response to a person who turns to Him in prayer. The previous verse (Job 33:25) describes the restoration of the body from sickness; this verse moves to the condition of the soul and the spiritual blessings that follow.

Meaning

The verse begins with prayer. When a person prays to God, seeking His intervention, God responds with favour. Prayer is a vital means of communication between humanity and God, reflecting our dependence on Him. The verse assures that God will be gracious towards the one who prays, highlighting His mercy, love, and kindness.

Seeing God’s face with joy indicates a personal encounter and intimate communion with Him. In biblical thought, for God to turn His face toward someone is to offer grace and help; for Him to hide His face is to withhold favour (Numbers 6:25-26). The restored person, who had experienced God’s hidden face during affliction, now beholds His face with joy.

The final clause, “for he will render unto man his righteousness,” is best understood as God restoring righteousness to the man, not the man making restitution to another. God returns to the recovered man his righteousness. This is the foundation of his acceptance. The restored person no longer doubts God’s justice but is enabled to justify God in His dealings.

Biblical connections

This verse is set against Job’s earlier complaint that God hid His face from him (Job 13:24). The restored person, who had perhaps been negligent of prayer in health and prosperity, is brought to prayer by affliction. The penitent justifies God, as seen in Psalm 51:4.

Application

For believers today, this verse is true especially for the redeemed in Jesus Christ, who can pray to God in His name (John 16:23-27). It is true for the believer now in seeing God’s favour (John 14:21-22) and eternally (Psalm 17:15; John 17:24). The believer is made to see God’s righteousness in Jesus Christ (Isaiah 45:24; 46:13).

Reflection

Job 33:26 highlights the power of prayer, God’s willingness to show favour, the joy of encountering God’s presence, and His commitment to upholding righteousness. It provides hope and encouragement for those who seek God’s intervention and rely on His righteousness in times of trial and suffering.