Monday, November 3
Job 19:23-27a
23 “O that my words were written down!
O that they were inscribed in a book!
24 O that with an iron pen and with lead
they were engraved on a rock forever!
25 For I know that my vindicator lives
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth;
26 and after my skin has been destroyed,
then in my flesh I shall see God,
27a whom I shall see on my side,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.”
“… 25 For I know that my vindicator lives …”
“I Know That My Redeemer Lives” is a popular hymn. Most of have sung it at one time or another. Many know it by heart. Its origin is this passage from Job. In the previous translation of the Bible, verse 25 begins: “For I know that my redeemer lives”. Hence, the song’s title.
However, in the newer version of the Bible quoted above, the Hebrew word previous translated as “redeemer” has become “vindicator”. It’s jarring to hear at first, but it does add to the meaning. That’s because, when we read “Redeemer”, we naturally think about Jesus. He is, after all, referred to with that title elsewhere.
However, Job was written well before Jesus’ presence on the earth so equating the two is a bit of stretch. Of course, some would argue (and perhaps rightly so) that Job was referring to the coming of Jesus. Others, however, would instead differentiate Job’s “redeemer” from Jesus as “Redeemer.”
That brings us back to “vindicator”. According to tradition, a vindicator is someone who clears another from guilt, blame, or accusation. As far as sin is concerned, God does this. Also, a vindicator is someone who defends another in court. Again, God does this for us before the devil. Finally, a vindicator is someone who restores another to their rightful place – certainly what God seeks to do with us, God’s children.
So, while translating the Hebrew from “redeemer” to “vindicator” may seem shocking, in many ways it still embodies the intent of God for our salvation.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of new life You give. Vindicate me by Your love, set me free from guilt and blame, defend me from all evil, and restore me as Your beloved child. Amen.