Job 2:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 2:11-13

We have here an account of the kind visit which Job's three friends paid him in his affliction. The news of his extraordinary troubles spread into all parts, he being an eminent man both for greatness and goodness, and the circumstances of his troubles being very uncommon. Some, who were his enemies, triumphed in his calamities, Job 16:10; 19:18; 30:1 Perhaps they made ballads on him. But his friends concerned themselves for him, and endeavoured to comfort him. A friend loveth at all times,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 2:12

And when they lifted up their eyes afar off ,.... Either when at some distance from Job's house, and he being without in the open air, as some think; or as they entered his house, he being at the further part of the room, or in another further on, which they could see into: and knew him not ; at first sight; until they came nearer to him, his garments being rent, and his head shaved, and his body covered all over with boils; so that he was so deformed and disfigured that they could not... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 2:12

They rent every one his mantle - I have already had frequent occasions to point out and illustrate, by quotations from the ancients, the actions that were used in order to express profound grief; such as wrapping themselves in sackcloth, covering the face, strewing dust or ashes upon the head, sitting upon the bare ground, etc., etc.; significant actions which were in use among all nations. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:1-13

This chapter concludes the "Introductory section." It consists of three parts. Job 2:1-6 contain an account of Satan's second appearance in the courts of heaven, and of a second colloquy between him and the Almighty. Job 2:7-10 contain the sequel to this colloquy, viz. Satan's further affliction of Job, and his conduct under it. Verses 11-13 contain an account of the arrival of Job's three special friends to mourn with him and to comfort him; and of their behavior during the first... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:11-13

The patriarch's third trial; or the coming of the friends. I. THE HONOURABLE NAMES THEY BORE . 1 . Eliphaz the Temanite. Probably a descendant of Teman, the son of Eliphaz, the son of Esau by his wife Adah ( Genesis 36:10 , Genesis 36:11 ; 1 Chronicles 1:35 , 1 Chronicles 1:36 ); belonging to the race of Teman, which extended over a considerable portion of Arabia, about midway between Palestine and the Euphrates; very likely the oldest of the three friends. 2 . ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:11-13

A picture of friendship. In this short section we have a beautiful picture of true friendship in its prompt sympathy, its ready offices. The three intimate friends of Job, on hearing of his troubles, arrange to visit him and offer the comfort of their presence and condolence. We are reminded— I. OF THE BLESSING OF FRIENDSHIP . Sympathy is the indispensable need of the heart. It deepens the colour of all our pleasures; it throws a gleam of light athwart our deepest gloom.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:11-13

Human impotence in presence of great sorrow. The prompting of pure and faithful friendship leads Job's friends to hurry to his help. They "come to mourn with him and to comfort him." When yet afar off they lift up their eyes and behold their friend. But, alas! disease has wrought so great a change in him that they know him not. Then "they lifted up their voice, and wept." In their wild, ungoverned passionate grief "they rent every one his mantle," and seizing the dust of the ground they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:11-13

Job's comforters. We now enter on a new scene, one that prepares for the main action of the drama. Hitherto the court of heaven, the roving errands of Satan, the personal and domestic afflictions of Job, have engaged our attention. Now the light of the larger human world is let in on this scene. Job is not in purgatory, shut off from companionship of living men. Indeed, his greatest trouble is yet to come from the blundering conduct of that companionship. I. TROUBLE SHOULD COLLECT ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:12

And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not . Job was seated on an ash-heap outside his dwelling (verse 8). The three friends, who had probably met by agreement at some point near his residence, and drew nigh together, saw the figure at some distance, and looked to see who it was. But Job was so disfigured by the disease that they failed to recognize him. They lifted up their voice, and wept . In the clamorous manner of Orientals (comp. Herod; 2.14; 3.119; 8.99; 9.24; and... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 2:12

And when they lifted up their eyes afar off - “When they saw him at the distance at which they could formerly recognize him without difficulty, disease had so altered his appearance that at first sight they knew him not” - Noyes.They lifted up their voice - This is a common expression in the Scriptures, to denote grief; Genesis 27:38; Genesis 29:11; Judges 2:4; Rth 1:9; 1 Samuel 24:16, “et soepe al.” We learn to suppress the expressions of grief. The ancients gave vent to their sorrows aloud. -... read more

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