Bible Commentary

Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath [bringeth] the punishments of the sword, that ye may know [there is] a judgment. 29. for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword ] This translation seems to assume that “wrath” here is that of men, such wrath as Job’s friends shewed towards him. But the word … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Job 19:29”

But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me? 28, 29. Brief threat to his three friends. God’s appearance, which will bring joy to Job, will carry terror to those who persecute him and fasten false charges of guilt upon him. The language in these verses … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Job 19:28”

Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; [though] my reins be consumed within me. 27. Whom I shall see for myself ] These words might mean merely, whom I myself shall see; or, for myself may mean, favourable to me, on my side and to my joy. and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Job 19:27”

And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God: 26. and though after my skin worms destroy ] See trans. above. The word destroy means to break off, strike down or off, as branches from a tree (Isa 10:34). The words literally run, and after my skin … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Job 19:26”

For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth: 25. For I know ] Rather, but I know. This is now something higher to which his mind rises. He desires no doubt to be vindicated before men, and would wish that all generations to come … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Job 19:25”

That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever! 24. In Job 19:23 Job longed that his words were written. But ordinary writing is perishable. And now he desires that his words were hewn in indelible characters upon the rock. The “lead” was probably run into the traces cut in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Job 19:24”

Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! 23. in a book ] The Heb. says in the book, using the Art. to indicate the kind of record, Exo 17:14; Num 5:23; 1Sa 10:25. The phrase means merely to “commit to writing.” The “words” which Job desires written … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Job 19:23”

Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh? 22. satisfied with my flesh ] Why cannot ye be sated with devouring me? The figure is sufficiently plain. In Oriental phrase “to devour or eat the parts or pieces of one” is to calumniate him, to accuse him, Dan 3:8, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Job 19:22”

Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me. 21, 22. Overcome by his sense of the terrible enmity of God, Job piteously cries out for the compassion of men. There is a strong antithesis between “ye my friends” and the “hand of God,” … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Job 19:21”

My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. 20. The desertion and loathing of mankind is universal, and to this is added his exhausted state from disease. My bone cleaveth to my skin ] The words describe his emaciated condition, cf. Lam 4:8; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Job 19:20”