Job 30:14-24

14 They come through a wide hole [in the wall]. They crawl through the ruins.
15 Terrors are directed toward me. They blow away my dignity like the wind. My prosperity vanishes like a cloud.
16 "Now my life is pouring out of me. Days of suffering seize me.
17 At night God pierces my bones. My body doesn't rest.
18 With great strength he grabs my clothes. He seizes me by the collar of my robe.
19 He throws me into the dirt so that I become like dust and ashes.
20 "I call to you for help, but you don't answer me. I stand up, but you just look at me.
21 You have begun to treat me cruelly. With your mighty hand you assault me.
22 You pick me up and let the wind carry me away. You toss me around with a storm.
23 I know you will lead me to death, to the dwelling place appointed for all living beings.
24 "But God doesn't stretch out his hand against one who is ruined when that person calls for help in his disaster.

Job 30:14-24 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 30

Job in this chapter sets forth his then unhappy state and condition, in contrast with his former state of prosperity described in the preceding chapter: things had taken a strange turn, and were just the reverse of what they were before; he that was before in such high esteem and credit with all sorts of men, young and old, high and low, rich and poor, now is had in derision by the meanest and basest of men, whose characters are described, Job 30:1-8; and the instances of their contempt of him by words and gestures are given, Job 30:9-14; he who enjoyed so much ease of mind, and health of body, is now filled with distresses of soul, and bodily diseases, Job 30:15-19; and he who enjoyed so much of the presence of God, and communion with him, and of his love and favour, was now disregarded, and, as he thought, cruelly used by him, who not only had destroyed his substance, but was about to bring him to the grave, Job 30:20-24; all which came upon him, though he had a sympathizing heart with the poor, and them that were in trouble, and when he expected better things, Job 30:25-28; and he close the chapter, lamenting his sad and sorrowful circumstances, Job 30:29-31.

GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.