Although the thought of the book of Job is profound, and it deals in a masterly manner with a fundamental human problem, it is more than a mere philosophical discussion. Its primary aim is to set forth the vital truth that God is not to be found through current theological dogmas or intellectual discussions, but through personal experience. This is the dominant note throughout the book. The greatest calamity that overtakes Job in his hour of deepest distress is the sense of being shut away from God's presence. Oh! that I knew where I might find him, That I might come even to his throne! As he looks back fondly to the happy days of old the fact that stands forth above all others is that The Almighty was yet with me. Looking forward to a possible vindication after death his hope centres in the belief that Thou wouldst call and I myself would answer thee; Thou wouldst long for the work of thy hands. When at last Jehovah answered Job out of the storm, it was not so much the thought expressed as the fact that God had spoken directly to him that brought penitence and peace: I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, But now mine eye seeth thee. Therefore I loath my words, And repent in dust and ashes. Section XCIX. THE TRAINING AND MISSION OF THE TRUE SERVANT OF JEHOVAH [Sidenote: Isa. 49:1-3] Hearken to me, ye coastlands, And listen, ye distant peoples: He hath called me from the womb, From my mother's lap made mention of my name. He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword, In the shadow of his hand he hid me, He made me a polished arrow, In his quiver he concealed me, And he said to me, Thou art my servant, Israel, in whom I will glorify myself. [Sidenote: Isa. 49:4] But I said, I have labored in vain, I spent my strength for nothing and vanity, Nevertheless my right is with Jehovah, And my recompense with my God. [Sidenote: Isa. 49:5, 6] And now, thus saith Jehovah, (He who formed from birth to be his servant, To bring Jacob back to him, And that Israel might be gathered to him; For I was honored in the sight of Jehovah, And my God became my strength): It is too little a thing to be my servant, To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the survivors of Israel; Therefore I will make thee the light of the nations, That thy salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. [Sidenote: Isa. 49:7] Thus saith Jehovah, The Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One, To him who is heartily despised, To the one abhorred of the people, a servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise, Princes and they shall do homage, Because of Jehovah who is faithful, The Holy One of Israel who hath chosen thee. [Sidenote: Isa. 49:3-9b] Thus saith Jehovah, In a time of favor I answer thee, And in a day of deliverance I help thee, And I make thee a pledge to the people, To raise up the [ruined] land, To reapportion the desolate heritages, Saying to those who are bound, 'Go forth,' To those in darkness, 'Show yourselves!'