"Chapter 29 is another classic example of Semitic rhetoric with all the elements of good symmetrical style. . . . The pattern is as follows:
"Blessing, vv. 2-6
Honor, vv. 7-11
Job's benevolence, vv. 12-17
Blessing, vv. 18-20
Honor, vv. 21-25 . . .
"Job in asserting his benevolence places a description of it in the climatic position in this oration, with the key line (v. 14) in the exact middle of the poem."120
We can divide this chapter into two sections. In verses 1-11 Job longed for the former days, and in verses 12-25 he explained why he had enjoyed them. His fellowship with God evidently meant most to him since he mentioned this blessing first (vv. 2-5a). Butter and oil (v. 6) were symbols of prosperity. The rock (v. 6b) may refer to an olive press or perhaps to the rocky soil out of which olive trees grew. Unlike God's present treatment of him Job had assisted the injured and had punished oppressors (v. 17). Most translators have rendered the Hebrew word holat the end of verse 18 "sand,"but one writer argued that it refers to the mythical phoenix bird.121Job had also provided encouragement and comfort for the despondent (vv. 24-25) in contrast to his friends.
"Job's review of his life [in this chapter] is one of the most important documents in Scripture for the study of Israelite ethics."122
