Job 17
Job 17 is part of “Second Cycle of Dialogue” (15–21) in the outline of Job.
Job 17 summary
In this chapter, I. Job reflects upon the harsh censures which his friends had passed upon him, and looking upon himself as a dying man (Job 17:1), he appeals to God, and begs of him speedily to appear for him, and right him, because they had wronged him, and he knew not how to right himself (Job 17:2-7). But he hopes that, though it should be a surprise, it will be no stumbling-block, to good people, to see him thus abused (Job 17:8, Job 17:9). II.
Read the full introduction
In this chapter, I. Job reflects upon the harsh censures which his friends had passed upon him, and looking upon himself as a dying man (Job 17:1), he appeals to God, and begs of him speedily to appear for him, and right him, because they had wronged him, and he knew not how to right himself (Job 17:2-7). But he hopes that, though it should be a surprise, it will be no stumbling-block, to good people, to see him thus abused (Job 17:8, Job 17:9). II. He reflects upon the vain hopes they had fed him with, that he should yet see good days, showing that his days were just at an end, and with his body all his hopes would be buried in the dust (Job 17:10-16). His friends becoming strange to him, which greatly grieved him, he makes death and the grave familiar to him, which yielded him some comfort.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Job 17 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Job Continues: My Spirit Is Broken
1My breath is corrupt: my dayes are cut off, and the graue is readie for me. 2There are none but mockers with mee, and mine eye continueth in their bitternesse. 3Lay downe nowe and put me in suretie for thee: who is hee, that will touch mine hand? 4For thou hast hid their heart from vnderstanding: therefore shalt thou not set them vp on hie. 5For the eyes of his children shall faile, that speaketh flattery to his friends. 6Hee hath also made mee a byword of the people, and I am as a Tabret before them. 7Mine eye therefore is dimme for griefe, and all my strength is like a shadowe. 8The righteous shalbe astonied at this, and the innocent shalbe moued against ye hypocrite. 9But the righteous wil holde his way, and he whose hands are pure, shall increase his strength. 10All you therefore turne you, and come nowe, and I shall not finde one wise among you. 11My dayes are past, mine enterprises are broken, and the thoughts of mine heart 12Haue changed the nyght for the day, and the light that approched, for darkenesse. 13Though I hope, yet the graue shall bee mine house, and I shall make my bed in the darke. 14I shall say to corruption, Thou art my father, and to the worme, Thou art my mother and my sister. 15Where is then now mine hope? or who shall consider the thing, that I hoped for? 16They shall goe downe into the bottome of the pit: surely it shall lye together in the dust.