Definition: And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide [as] for the latter rain.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Job 29:23. It's a really striking image! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people were waiting expectantly for something to happen, and they were utterly disappointed when it didn’t. It’s like a long, drawn-out wait with no reward or good news. Let's unpack the parts: "And they waited for me as for the rain..." – This is the key. The people weren’t waiting for anything specific. They were waiting as if it were raining. Rain is a symbol of something coming, something good, or something to alleviate a difficult situation. It represents a time of hardship and uncertainty. "...and they opened their mouth wide [as] for the latter rain." – This is where it gets really poetic. “The latter rain” refers to a period of intense hardship, trouble, or suffering that was expected to arrive. The people were actively trying to make space for this coming rain. They were prepared for it, anticipating the worst. So, what’s the overall message? It's a profound statement about human existence and the nature of disappointment. It suggests: We often wait for things that never come. We spend our time and energy hoping for something to happen, but sometimes it doesn’t. God is in control, even when we don’t see it. The verse implies that God is actively working despite these waiting periods of hardship – He's providing a way out, even if we can't understand it yet. It's a reminder to: Trust in God’s plan, even when things seem bleak. Be patient and don’t give up hope completely. In short, the verse is about a time of waiting with anticipation, and then facing disappointment. It highlights God's active presence even during difficult times. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Job 29? Discuss the meaning in a different context (like its role in understanding suffering)?