Job 5:23

23. For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field Literally, For with the stones of the field (is) thy covenant. “Isaiah (Isaiah 28:15) speaks of ‘ a covenant with death;’ that is, death is far from us, and will not injure us. Such, also, is the meaning here: thy field will be free from stones, which would make it barren.” Rosenmuller. In like manner Lucan says ( Phar., 9:394)

Pax illis cum morte data est, Peace with death to them is given, in the sense of security from death. Dr. Shaw thus alludes to this text: “The feet being thus unguarded, (that is, being bare, or only protected with slippers,) were every moment liable to be hurt and injured; and from thence perhaps the danger, without the divine assistance, which ever protects us from the smallest misfortunes, of dashing them against a stone, (Psalms 91:12;) which, perhaps, will illustrate that difficult text (Job 5:23) of being in league with the stones of the field.” Compare 2 Kings 3:25. “The stones are personified: they conclude a treaty with the reformed Job, and promise not to injure him.” Hengstenberg.

Beasts… field In Ezekiel 14:21, “noisome beasts” constitute a fourth calamitous judgment which God threatens against Israel. What is here promised to the pious man is in like figure prophesied of the Messianic times; Isaiah 11:6-10. The good man is protected against the animate and inanimate creation. Each of the three following verses is crowned with a promise especially pleasing to the Oriental mind: first, domestic bliss; second, numerous posterity; third, long life.