Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.Not — And all this is not come upon me for any injurious dealing, but for other reasons known to God only.Pure — I do not cast off God's fear and service, chap15:4. I do still pray and worship God, and my prayer is accompanied with a sincere heart. read more
O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place.Earth — The earth is said to cover that blood, which lies undiscovered and unrevenged: but saith Job, if I be guilty of destroying any man, let the earth disclose it; let it be brought to light.Cry — Let the cry of my complaints to men, or prayers to God, find no place in the ears or hearts of God or men, if this be true. read more
Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high. Witness — Besides the witness of my conscience, God is witness of my integrity. read more
15. Sackcloth This cloth was of a coarse texture, generally of goat’s hair of a dark colour, with armholes, and shaped like a sack. It was commonly worn over the coat, in place of an outer garment, and thus served as a symbol of distress; but in extreme cases it was worn next to the skin, (2 Kings 6:30,) having been sewed tightly upon it, “like crepe upon a hat.” Barnes. Dr. Good cites from Menander, the Greek poet: Following the Syrian plan They then wear sackcloth, and by the public... read more
16. Foul with weeping Inflamed by the heat of the tears. Shadow of death The Iliad frequently has the expression, “The cloud of death surrounds his eyes.” read more
17. Not for injustice The Hebrew is the same as in Isaiah 53:9. where the words are spoken of Christ. Read, Though there be no violence in my hands. Second division JOB’S HOPE IS IN THE GODHEAD THE GOD WHO SEES HIS GRIEFS SHALL TREAT WITH GOD IN HIS BEHALF, Job 16:18 - Job 17:9. read more
18. Cover not thou my blood He speaks of his sufferings under the figure of blood that has been wrongfully shed. “Blood,” says Grotius, “denotes every kind of immature death.” The ancients attributed to blood, unjustly shed, a cry that excited God to vengeance; an opinion which may have sprung from the case of Abel, Genesis 4:10. “When the earth covers the blood of the slain it seems to cloak injury.” Drusius. See also Isaiah 26:21; Ezekiel 24:7-8. The Arabs say the dew of heaven will... read more
First strophe God, the witness of the innocent blood which his own wrath hath shed, cannot but plead with God for justice, though man, the victim, be in the article of death. Job 16:18 - Job 17:2. Job’s faith again appeals from God as he seems, to God as he must be. read more
19. Record שׂהד , attestor. Schultens and Lee derive from the Arabic a meaning of eyewitness. The Septuagint renders it joint witness Συνιστωρ . The translation of Cranmer, “and He that knoweth me is above in the height,” accords with that of Luther. The witness is plainly not documentary, (record,) but a person. read more
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Job 16:15
I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust.I have — So far am I from stretching out my hand against God, chap15:25, that I have humbled myself deeply under his hand. I have not only put on sackcloth, but sewed it on, as being resolved to continue my humiliation, as long as my affliction continues.Defiled my horn — I have willingly parted with all my wealth, and power, and glory (as the horn often signifies in scripture,) and been content to lie in the dust. read more