Read Job chapter 17 online with LogosAI Bible study tools, highlights, and cross references.
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. 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).
1 “My spirit is consumed. My days are extinct and the grave is ready for me.
2 Surely there are mockers with me. My eye dwells on their provocation.
3 “Now give a pledge. Be collateral for me with yourself. Who is there who will strike hands with me?
4 For you have hidden their heart from understanding, therefore you will not exalt them.
5 He who denounces his friends for plunder, even the eyes of his children will fail.
6 “But he has made me a byword of the people. They spit in my face.
7 My eye also is dim by reason of sorrow. All my members are as a shadow.
8 Upright men will be astonished at this. The innocent will stir himself up against the godless.
9 Yet the righteous will hold to his way. He who has clean hands will grow stronger and stronger.
10 But as for you all, come back. I will not find a wise man among you.
11 My days are past. My plans are broken off, as are the thoughts of my heart.
12 They change the night into day, saying ‘The light is near’ in the presence of darkness.
13 If I look for Sheol as my house, if I have spread my couch in the darkness,
14 if I have said to corruption, ‘You are my father,’ and to the worm, ‘My mother,’ and ‘My sister,’
15 where then is my hope? As for my hope, who will see it?
16 Shall it go down with me to the gates of Sheol, or descend together into the dust?”