Job 30:24-31

Job’s agony

24 Surely he won't strike someone in ruins if in distress he cries out to him,
25 if I didn't weep for those who have a difficult day or my soul grieve for the needy;
26 for I awaited good, but evil came; I expected light, but gloom arrived.
27 My insides, churning, are never quiet; days of affliction confront me.
28 I walk in the dark, lacking sunshine; I rise in the assembly and cry out.
29 I have become a brother to jackals, a companion to young ostriches.
30 My skin is charred; my bones are scorched by the heat.
31 My lyre is for mourning, my flute, a weeping sound.

Job 30:24-31 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.

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