JOB PLATE 18

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Illustrations of the Book of Job

Plate18

This is the location of verses of scripture on Plate 18.

. . . and the Lord also accepted Job (Job 42:9)

. . . and my servant Job shall pray for you (Job 42:8)
 

And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends (Job 42: 10)

 

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them at curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matthew 5:44)

 

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5: 45)

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Blake discerned that the inner changes that Job experienced through his encounter with the living God brought about corresponding changes in Job's outer attitudes. Since Plate 17 represents the spiritual rebirth of Job, Plate 18 presents outward signs of the inner changes. We read in the Book of Job that when Job was accepted by God be became able to pray for his those who had been the enemies of his spiritual development. Job was no longer captive to his former attitudes when he prayed for his would-be friends.

On the pages of the 'book' are quotations from the New Testament. Jesus' message to his followers is of loving, blessing and doing good to those who are against you. If one is to be like the Heavenly Father one must treat the just and unjust equally.

On the borders of the plate Blake created image of the fulfillment of the changes which had taken place in Job. There are six angels facing outward, perhaps Angels of Providence. There are stalks of ripened wheat showing that the fruits of change are ready for harvest. The images of the tools of art indicate that the imagination has been released for creative expression.

Milton,Plate 36 [40], (E 136)

"When on the highest lift of his light pinions he arrives
At that bright Gate, another Lark meets him & back to back
They touch their pinions tip tip: and each descend
To their respective Earths & there all night consult with Angels
Of Providence & with the Eyes of God all night in slumbers       
Inspired: & at the dawn of day send out another Lark
Into another Heaven to carry news upon his wings"

Matthew 5 

 [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
[45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
[46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
[47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
[48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Additional post on Job Plate 18.