Bible Commentaries

Preserved - From all those miseries which now I feel.

Darkness - I passed safely through many difficulties, and dangers, and common calamities.

Seat - When I caused the seat of justice to be set for me. By this, and several other expressions, it appears that Job was a magistrate. Street - In that open place, near the gate, where the people assembled for the administration of justice.

Cleaved - It lay as still as if he had done so.

Witness - Gave testimony to my pious, and just, and blameless conversation.

Put on, &c. - Perhaps he did not wear these: but his steady justice was to him instead of all those ornaments.

Multiply - See how apt even good men are, to set death at a distance from them!

Glory - My reputation was growing every day. Bow - My strength which is signified by a bow, Genesis 49:24 ; 1 Samuel 2:4 , because in ancient times the bow and arrows were the principal instruments of war.

Dropped - As the rain, which when it comes down gently upon the earth, is most acceptable and beneficial to it.

Laughed - Carried myself so familiarly with them, that they could scarce believe their eyes and ears. Cast not down - They were cautious not to give me any occasion to change my countenance towards them.

I chose - They sought to me for advice in all difficult cases, and I directed them what methods they should take. Sat - As a prince or judge, while they stood waiting for my counsel. A king - Whose presence puts life, and courage, into the whole army. As one - As I was ready to comfort any afflicted persons, so my consolations were always welcome to them.