Job considers the words he was about to utter of great importance, and therefore wished them to be recorded in every possible way. Any attempt to establish the true meaning of this passage is almost hopeless. Through the ages learned men and eminent critics have understood the words very differently. Some contend they refer to the resurrection of the body, the redemption of the human race by Jesus Christ. Others, with equal show of argument, contend that they refer only to Job’s restoration to health in his own latter days.

For years I have to considered that the passage refers to the latter days of this age when Christ will stand in triumph on this earth. But, in recent days my opinion has begun to change. As for the latter day stand of the Lord Jesus, there are numerous other Scriptures strengthening our understanding for that Day. But the Book of Job is his story. It’s his latter day toward which the whole story of the Book points. What does it therefore mean for us? It gives us a testimony of God’s faithfulness toward which any of us may look and be strengthened while undergoing any degree of trouble. Job could have been the first one to declare that God abideth faithful. But, it makes little difference who declared it first. The importance of the matter is that you and I can declare His faithfulness today.

Let’s see the passage in the KJV and then we’ll look at the simpler interpretation of Today's New International Version that leans toward Job’s personal redemption. We will let his testimony touch our own lives for the impending elder years that reach for all of us as we pass through our own tribulations.

Job 19:23-27—Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:  Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

This simple interpretation from Today's New International Version seems to be pretty accurate.

Job 19:
23 "Oh, that my words were recorded,
that they were written on a scroll,
24 that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead,
or engraved in rock forever!
25 I know that my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;

27 I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me! (TNIV)

Job’s faith reached beyond what his eyes could see, and his body could feel, and embraced the faithfulness of God. This sets a pattern for us when we may find ourselves caught in the dark night of our soul. When there is no understanding for our mind, the belief that originates in our heart reaches for, and touches, the hem of Christ’s garment. In doing so, we discover that His triumph was accomplished for us.

DEAR LORD, all I know to do now is trust You and find You faithful. My confession is that You abide faithful, that Your faithfulness has reached me and given me hope. Please help these others who are important to me to know your faithfulness. Help them receive the hope you have to offer. Don’t give up on them.