Job 29:9

9 The princes would refrain from talking and lay their hand on their mouth;

Job 29:9 Meaning and Commentary

Job 29:9

The princes refrained talking
Who were in court before Job came in, and were either talking with one another about indifferent matters, or were giving their opinion in a case before them; but no sooner did Job make his appearance, but they left off talking, and would not proceed any further; they laid a restraint upon their words, and curbed themselves from speaking any more till they had heard his opinion:

and laid [their] hand on their mouth;
as a token of silence, ( Judges 18:19 ) .

Job 29:9 In-Context

7 When I went out to the gate to judgment, when I had my seat prepared in the plaza!

8 The young men would see me and hide themselves, and the aged would arise and stand.

9 The princes would refrain from talking and lay their hand on their mouth;

10 the voice of the principals would not be noticed, and their tongue would cleave to the roof of their mouth.

11 When the ears that heard me, called me blessed; and when the eyes that saw me, gave witness to me: