Job 33:23-24 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man his uprightness:… These words were from the lips of Elihu, the companion and counsellor of Job. The men of that day had but dim visions of Him that was to come; they had to look through, the type to the antitype; through the symbol to the thing signified. "I have found a ransom." This indicates in the man who spake it — I. A KNOWLEDGE OF MAN'S STATE. A ransom signifies the price of redemption from captivity. Before we apply for a ransom we must feel that we are involved. Sensibility to our suffering condition is the very foundation work of an appeal to Jesus. Man by nature is in bondage; he is taken captive by Satan at his will. II. THE MEANS OF MAN'S DELIVERANCE. "I have found a ransom." The prisoner finds a ransom — where? In the offers of the worldly-wise? In the counsellings and suggestions of self? Nay; no man ever breathed this assurance until his eyes were fixed on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. To what else could he turn? III. THE ACQUISITION OF THIS KNOWLEDGE. That is, a knowledge of your own heart in a state of nature, and a knowledge of the ransom that is provided for you in the dispensations of grace. Both the one and the other proceed immediately from the Spirit of God. He convinces of sin, and He alone. "I have found a ransom" implies that the ransom was sought for; and this seeking is a course of humble, diligent, and persevering prayer. (T. J. Judkin, A. M.) Parallel Verses KJV: If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: |
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