Job 24

Job 24:1

WHy, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him, not see his dayes?] The first verse may be read thus. Why are not times hidden from the Almightie, seeing they that know him, do not see his dayes. That is, It would make a man think that God doth not know the times of punishing the wicked, because he reveals it to none of his servants.

Job 24:2

land-marks] Deuteronomy 19:14. and Deuteronomy 27:17.

feed thereof] Or, feed them.

Job 24:4

the poor of the earth hide themselves together] They dare not meet the rich, because of their pride or cruelty.

hide themselves together] Proverbs 28:28.

Job 24:5

rising betimes for a prey] They are very diligent.

the wildernesse yeeldeth food for them] They and theirs live by robbing and murdering.

Job 24:6

They reap every one his corn in the field] The poor mans, vers. 4.

corn] Heb. mingled corn, or, dredge.

they gather the vintage of the wicked] Heb. the wicked gather the vintage. One wicked man spares not another.

Job 24:7

They cause the naked to lodge without clothing] Heb. because he hath no clothing. They take it from him.

Job 24:8

for want of a shelter] The poor are driven by the wicked into rocks and holes, where they cannot lie dry for the rain.

Job 24:9

from the breast] They so poul the poor, that they cannot keep their children: or, they take them from their parents, and sell them for slaves.

take a pledge of the poor] His garment, wherewith he should be covered or clad, against the law, Exodus 22:26. Deuteronomy 24:17.

Job 24:11

Which make oyl within their walls] Though they labour for them, yet they oppresse them.

tread their wine-presses] Contrary to the law, Deuter. 25. 4.

Job 24:12

Men grone from out of the citie] For the great oppression and extortion.

the soul of the wounded] Ready to die for famine, like men wounded with the sword, Lamentations 4:9.

crieth out] Crieth out, and calleth for vengeance.

God layeth not folly to them] God doth not condemn the oppressours, but seemeth to passe over it by his silence.

Job 24:13

that rebell against the light] That is, against Gods word, because they are reproved thereby, John 3:20.

Job 24:14

The murderer rising with the light] Psalms 10:8. He riseth betimes to do wrong, and holds on all day and night, Psalms 36:4. Mic. 2. 1.

Job 24:15

The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight] By these particular vices, and the license thereunto, he would prove, that God punisheth not the wicked, nor rewardeth the just alwayes in this life.

the twilight] Proverbs 7:9.

No eye shall see me] My adultery shall not be known.

disguiseth his face] Heb. setteth his face in secret.

Job 24:16

they know not the light] They fly from the light, least they should be discovered, Joh. 3. 19, 20.

Job 24:18

He is swift as the waters] He meaneth pirats, who rob at sea, and finding wealth there, live in desolate places, not in fruitfull lands among other men.

as] Or, on.

Job 24:19

Drought and heat consume the snow-waters] After a wicked life they die an easie death, as heat melts the water away easily. See chap. 21. 13, 32. Psalms 73:4.

consume] Heb. violently take.

Job 24:20

The womb shall forget him] He shall be forgotten like other men: or, as if he had never been more, Psalms 31:12.

Job 24:22

He draweth also the mightie with his power] After that wicked men have destroyed weak ones, they set upon the strong.

and no man is sure of life] Or, he trusteth not his own life.

Job 24:23

Though it be given him to be in safetie] The twenty third verse may be read thus. It is given him to be in safetie, and he resteth on it, though his eyes be upon their wayes. That is, God gives wicked men quietnesse, and they presume he will do so still, which makes them bold to oppresse, though God look on.

Job 24:24

are exalted for a little while] Psal. 73. 17, 18.

are gone] Heb. are not.

taken] Heb. closed up.

and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn] They die a naturall or violent death, like other men in full age; as corn cut down when it is ripe, or before.