Job 19:7-8, Jer 12:1, 20:8 | JFB | STEP | 7. wrong —violence: brought on him by God. no judgment —God will not remove my calamities, and so vindicate my just cause; and my friends will not do justice to my past character.

Job 19:7-8

7. wrong—violence: brought on him by God.

no judgment—God will not remove my calamities, and so vindicate my just cause; and my friends will not do justice to my past character.

8. Image from a benighted traveller.

Jeremiah 12:1

1. (Ps 51:4).

let me talk, &c.—only let me reason the case with Thee: inquire of Thee the causes why such wicked men as these plotters against my life prosper (compare Job 12:6; 21:7; Ps 37:1, 35; 73:3; Mal 3:15). It is right, when hard thoughts of God's providence suggest themselves, to fortify our minds by justifying God beforehand (as did Jeremiah), even before we hear the reasons of His dealings.

Jeremiah 20:8

8. Rather, "Whenever I speak, I cry out. Concerning violence and spoil, I (am compelled to) cry out," that is, complain [MAURER]. English Version in the last clause is more graphic, "I cried violence and spoil" (Jer 6:7)! I could not speak in a calm tone; their desperate wickedness compelled me to "cry out."

because—rather, "therefore," the apodosis of the previous sentence; because in discharging my prophetic functions, I not merely spake, but cried; and cried, violence . . . ; therefore the word of the Lord was made a reproach to me (Jer 20:7).