Bible Commentaries
Job 29

Verse 1

Moreover = And.

continued his parable: i.e. again took up his impressive discourse. This is Job's last address, corresponding with his first. See the Structure on p. 669.

Verse 2

I. Note the frequency of "I" (self-occupation). In Job 29:0 , the "I" of prosperity; in Job 30:0 , the "I" of adversity; in Job 31:0 , the "I" of self-righteousness. Contrast the "I" of Job 42:2-6 , the "end".

Verse 3

candle = lamp.

Verse 4

youth = autumn's prime, or maturity.

secret = counsel.

tabernacle = tent.

Verse 5

THE ALMIGHTY. Hebrew Shaddai. App-4 .

children = youths.

Verse 6

rivers = divisions. Hence the little channels made in garden irrigation. See note on Psalms 1:3 , and Proverbs 21:1 .

Verse 7

street = broad or open place.

Verse 9

laid their hand, &c. In token of silence and submission.

Verse 12

poor = wretched. Hebrew. 'anah . See note on Proverbs 6:11 .

Verse 16

poor = helpless. Hebrew. 'ebyon. See note on Proverbs 6:11 .

Verse 17

wicked. Hebrew. 'avvil . App-44 . See note on Job 18:21 .

Verse 18

die in my nest. The Septuagint reads "grow old as a palm trunk".

as the sand. A note in Codices (No. 1 in King's Lib., British Museum) states that the Western School points this to mean "as a phoenix". The Vulgate reads "as a palm".

Verse 23

as for the rain: i.e. the early rain, which is sometimes so late as to cause anxiety.