Job 30:14-24

14 They violate my broken body, trample through the rubble of my ruined life.
15 Terrors assault me - my dignity in shreds, salvation up in smoke.
16 "And now my life drains out, as suffering seizes and grips me hard.
17 Night gnaws at my bones; the pain never lets up.
18 I am tied hand and foot, my neck in a noose. I twist and turn.
19 Thrown facedown in the muck, I'm a muddy mess, inside and out. What Did I Do to Deserve This?
20 "I shout for help, God, and get nothing, no answer! I stand to face you in protest, and you give me a blank stare!
21 You've turned into my tormenter - you slap me around, knock me about.
22 You raised me up so I was riding high and then dropped me, and I crashed.
23 I know you're determined to kill me, to put me six feet under.
24 "What did I do to deserve this? Did I ever hit anyone who was calling for help?

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.

Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.