Job 29:19 - Exposition

My root was spread out by the waters (comp. Psalms 1:3 ; Jeremiah 17:8 ); rather, to the waters— so that the waters reached it and nourished it. And the dew lay all night upon my branch . Job compares himself, in his former prosperous state, to a tree growing by a river-side, which receives a double nourishment—from the actual water of the stream, which reaches its roots, and from the moisture evaporated from the stream, which hangs in the air, and descends in the shape of dew upon its leaves and branches. Both sources of refreshment represent the grace and favour of God.