Job 16:15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 16:6-16

Job's complaint is here as bitter as any where in all his discourses, and he is at a stand whether to smother it or to give it vent. Sometimes the one and sometimes the other is a relief to the afflicted, according as the temper or the circumstances are; but Job found help by neither, Job 16:6. 1. Sometimes giving vent to grief gives ease; but, ?Though I speak? (says Job), ?my grief is not assuaged, my spirit is never the lighter for the pouring out of my complaint; nay, what I speak is so... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 16:15

I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin ,.... Which he very probably put on when he rent his mantle, or sat in ashes, Job 1:20 ; which actions were usually performed together in times of distress and sorrow, see Genesis 37:34 ; and this was no doubt a voluntary action of his, like that of the king of Nineveh and his subjects Jonah 3:5 ; though some have thought that Job was so reduced that he had no clothes to wear, and was obliged to put on such coarse raiment, which is not probable; and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 16:15

I have sewed sackcloth - שק sak , a word that has passed into almost all languages, as I have already had occasion to notice in other parts of this work. Defiled my horn in the dust - The horn was an emblem of power; and the metaphor was originally taken from beasts, such as the urus, wild ox, buffalo, or perhaps the rhinoceros, who were perceived to have so much power in their horns. Hence a horn was frequently worn on crowns and helmets, as is evident on ancient coins; and to this... 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 16:7-17

Job to God: resumption of the third controversy: 1. The sorrows of a weary man. I. DIVINELY SENT . Whether directly addressed in the second person (verses 7, 8), or indirectly alluded to in the third (verses 7, 9, 12, 14), it is ever God to whom Job traces back his sufferings. It is faith's function, as well as faith's delight, to recognize God's hand in affliction as in felicity; but not seldom sense intervenes to misconstrue the end and motive of God's dealings with the saint, and to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 16:11-17

The severity of the Divine judgments. The mystery of the Divine dealings is revealed in this book. The view from a human standpoint is given. Job and his friends see not the spiritual side of the whole transaction. The Divine purpose is hidden. Job knows not that it is "Satan" that has instigated all these afflictions. He knows not that God has given permission for his trial. Nor does he know the limitations put upon that trial, nor the final issue. The severity of the Divine judgments (so... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 16:15

I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin . Another transition. Job turns to the consideration of how he has acted under his severe afflictions. In the first place, he has put on sackcloth, not for a time merely, as ordinary mourners do, hut for a permanency, so that he may be said to have sewn it to his skin. There is, perhaps, also an allusion to the adhesion of the garment to his many sores. And have defiled my horn in the dust . "My horn" is equivalent to "my pride," "my dignity." Job, when... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 16:15

I have sewed sackcloth - I have put on the badges of humiliation and grief; see the notes at Isaiah 3:24. This was the usual emblem of mourning. In order more deeply to express it, or to make it a “permanent” memorial of sorrow, it would seem that it was “sewed” around the body - as we “sew” crape on the hat.And defiled my horn in the dust - The word rendered “defiled” (from עלל ‛âlal) has, according to Gesenius, the notion of “repetition,” derived from the use of the Arabic word. The Arabic... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Job 16:15-16

Job 16:15-16. I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin I have put on sackcloth, not upon my other garments, but next to my skin; as was done in great calamities. So far am I from stretching out my hands against God, whereof I am accused, (Job 15:25,) that I have humbled myself deeply under his hand, and I have even sewed sackcloth on me, as being resolved to continue my humiliation as long as my affliction continues. And defiled my horn in the dust I have willingly parted with all my... read more

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