Job 17:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 17:10-16

Job's friends had pretended to comfort him with the hopes of his return to a prosperous estate again; now he here shows, I. That it was their folly to talk so (Job 17:10): ?Return, and come now, be convinced that you are in an error, and let me persuade you to be of my mind; for I cannot find one wise man among you, that knows how to explain the difficulties of God's providence or how to apply the consolations of his promises.? Those do not go wisely about the work of comforting the afflicted... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 17:12

They change the night into day ,.... Meaning either his friends, by what they had said unto him, or the thoughts of his heart, which comes to the same sense; these being in the night season employed about what had been said to him in the day, insomuch that he could get no sleep, the night was as broad day unto him; or they put the day before the night, contrary to the order of nature, as Noldius F26 Ebr. Part. Concord. No. 1931. observes, whereas the night is before the day, Genesis... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 17:12

They change the night into day - These purposes and thoughts are so very gloomy, that they change day into night. The light is short because of darkness - חשך מפני קרוב אור or karob mippeney choshek , "The light is near from the face of darkness." I have scarcely any light: what is called light is so near akin to darkness, that it is scarcely severed from it. There is either no light, or merely such as is sufficient to render darkness visible. A fine picture of the state of his mind... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 17:1-16

The general character of this chapter has been considered in the introductory section to Job 16:1-22 . It is occupied mainly with Job's complaints of his treatment by his friends, and his lamentations over his sufferings (verses 1-12). At the end he appeals to the grave, as the only hope or comfort left to him (verses 13-16). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 17:1-16

Job to God: 3. The requiem of a dying man. I. ANTICIPATING HIS IMMEDIATE DISSOLUTION . With three pathetic sighs the patriarch bemoans his dying condition. 1 . The total collapse of his vital powers. Indicated by the shortness and offensiveness of his breath, announcing the approach of suffocation and decay. "My breath is corrupt." And to this at last must all come. The most vigorous physical health, as well as the feeblest, contains within it germs of putridity. Essentially,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 17:1-16

The just holds on his way. "The pencil of the Holy Ghost hath laboured more in describing the afflictions of Job than the felicities of Solomon," says Lord Bacon. "Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes, and adversity is not without comfort and hopes. We see in needleworks and embroideries it is more pleasing to have a lively work upon a sad and solemn ground than to have a dark and melancholy work upon a lightsome ground; judge, therefore, of the pleasure of the heart by the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 17:12

They change the night into day . They, my detractors, who are also my so-called "comforters," pretend to change my night into day; assure me that the cloud which rests on me is only for a time, and will ere long give place to the brightness of day, to a glorious burst of sunshine (see Job 5:18-26 ; Job 8:21 , Job 8:22 ; Job 11:15-19 ). The light (they say) is short because of darkness ; or, rather, is near because of the darkness. To extreme darkness shows that dawn must be... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 17:12

They change - The word “they” in this place, some understand as referring to his friends; others, to his thoughts. Rosenmuller supposes it is to be taken impersonally, and that the meaning is, “night is become day to me.” Wemyss translates it, “night is assigned me for day.” So Dr. Good renders it. The meaning may be, that the night was to him as the day. He had no rest. The period when he had formerly sought repose, was now made like the day, and all was alike gloom and sadness.The light is... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Job 17:12

Job 17:12 . They change the night into day My distressing thoughts, griefs, and fears, so incessantly pursue and disturb me, that I can no more sleep in the night than in the day. The light is short The day-light, which often gives some comfort to men in misery, seems to be gone and fled as soon as it is begun; because of darkness Because of my grievous pains and torments, which follow me by day as well as by night. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Job 17:1-16

Job’s reply to Eliphaz (16:1-17:16)Tired at this repetition of the friends’ unhelpful teaching, Job says he could give similar ‘comfort’ if he were in their position and they in his (16:1-5). His argument with God may not have brought relief from his pain, but neither has his silence. In fact, his physical condition only becomes worse (6-8). God opposes him and people insult him. Some deliberately try to do him harm (9-11). He feels like a helpless victim that wild animals attack, like a target... read more

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