Job 16:19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 16:17-22

Job's condition was very deplorable; but had he nothing to support him, nothing to comfort him? Yes, and he here tells us what it was. I. He had the testimony of his conscience for him that he had walked uprightly, and had never allowed himself in any gross sin. None was ever more ready than he to acknowledge his sins of infirmity; but, upon search, he could not charge himself with any enormous crime, for which he should be made more miserable than other men, Job 16:17. 1. He had kept a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 16:19

Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven ,.... That is, God, who dwells in the heavens, where his throne is, and which is the habitation of his holiness, and from whence he beholds all the sons of men, and their actions, is the all seeing and all knowing Being; and therefore Job appeals to him as his witness, if he was guilty of the things laid to his charge, to bear witness against him, but if not to be a witness for him, which he believed he would, and desired he might: for my record... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 16:19

My witness is in heaven - I appeal to God for my innocence. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 16:1-22

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 16:1-22

Deep dejection and irrepressible hope. In this reply Job refuses to make a direct rejoinder to the attack upon him; he is too utterly bowed down in his weakness. But— I. The first part of his speech consists of A BITTER SARCASM UPON THE IDLE TALK OF HIS FRIENDS . (Verses 1-5.) Their speeches are useless. They mean to comfort ( Job 15:11 ); but their reasonings produce an opposite effect on his mind. They should cease; there must he something ailing those who are thus... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 16:18-22

Job to God: 2. An appeal to God against God. I. A SUBLIME INVOCATION . "O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place!" (verse 18). 1 . The explanation of the language. The allusion seems to be to Genesis 4:10 , where the blood of Abel is represented as crying to God from the ground for vengeance upon its destroyer; and Job, in the lofty consciousness of his innocence, while momentarily anticipating death, calls upon the earth not to drink up his blood, but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 16:19

Also now, behold, my Witness is in heaven ; rather, even now (see the Revised Version). Job claims God for his Witness, looks to him for an ultimate vindication of his character, is sure that in one way or another he will make his righteousness clear as the noonday in the sight of men and angels (see Job 19:25-27 , of which this is in some sort an anticipation). My record —or, he that vouches for me (Revised Version)— is on high —one of the so frequent pleonastic repetitions... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 16:19-20

The appeal of innocence to the highest tribunal. Job now turns from man to God. He has the assurance of faith—the full assurance which faith gives- that God will requite the injured and justify the pure. Man's judgment is imperfect. He sees only the outboard circumstance; God looketh upon the heart. To him who knoweth all things Job turns; and to God his "eye poureth out tears." Before man can commit his cause to God with confidence the following is needful— I. A THOROUGH CONVICTION ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 16:19-20

The Witness in heaven. Job turns from man to God. On earth he is misjudged, but in heaven there is One who sees all, and can witness both his woe and his integrity. More than this; he turns from God as the source of his calamity to God as his Saviour. Dr. S. Cox has pointed out that Job has here made a great discovery. He has found a higher God, a God of love, above the God who torments. Or rather, he has seen the true God above the false, conventional idea of God. To this God he appeals as... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 16:19

My witness is in heaven - That is, I can appeal to God for my sincerity. He is my witness; and he will bear record for me. This is an evidence of returning confidence in God - to which Job always returns even after the most passionate and irreverent expressions. Such is his real trust in God, that though he is betrayed at times into expressions of impatience and irreverence, yet he is sure to return to calmer views, and to show that he has true confidence in the Most High. The strength, the... read more

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