Verse 19
19. Iniquity און also signifies “calamity,” “wealth” a network of meanings exceedingly suggestive. One of the positions taken by the friends of Job was, “God layeth up the iniquity of the wicked for his children,” (Job 5:4; Job 20:10;) if he does not visit it upon the parents, he certainly does upon the children. Horace has a similar thought:
Delicta majorum immeritus lues Romane.
Thou, O Roman, innocent
Shalt suffer for the sins of thy ancestors.
Cicero, on the other hand, denounces the principle that “if a wicked man die without suffering for his crimes, the gods should inflict a punishment on his children, his children’s children, and all his posterity.” ( De Nat. Deorum, 3:38.) Job’s reply commences with the second clause, which should read: Upon him (the wicked man himself) should He (God) requite that he may know, that is, feel it the transgressor is the proper person to suffer.
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