Job 21:7-14

     7. The answer is Ro 2:4; 1Ti 1:16; Ps 73:18; Ec 8:11-13; Lu 2:35-end; Pr 16:4; Ro 9:22.

      old—in opposition to the friends who asserted that sinners are "cut off" early (Job 8:12, 14).

     8. In opposition to Job 18:19; 5:4.

     9. Literally, "peace from fear"; with poetic force. Their house is peace itself, far removed from fear. Opposed to the friends' assertion, as to the bad (Job 15:21-24; 20:26-28), and conversely, the good (Job 5:23, 24).

     10. Rather, "their cattle conceive." The first clause of the verse describes an easy conception, the second, a happy birth [UMBREIT].

     11. send forth—namely, out of doors, to their happy sports under the skies, like a joyful flock sent to the pastures.

      little ones—like lambkins.

      children—somewhat older than the former.

      dance—not formal dances; but skip, like lambs, in joyous and healthful play.

     12. take—rather, "lift up the voice" (sing) to the note of [UMBREIT].

      timbrel—rather, "tambourine."

      organ—not the modern "organ," but the "pipe" (Ge 4:21). The first clause refers to stringed, the latter, to wind instruments; thus, with "the voice" all kinds of music are enumerated.

     13. wealth—Old English Version for "prosperity."

      in a moment—not by a lingering disease. Great blessings! Lengthened life with prosperity, and a sudden painless death (Ps 73:4).

     14. Therefore—rather, "And yet they are such as say," &c., that is, say, not in so many words, but virtually, by their conduct (so the Gergesenes, Mt 8:34). How differently the godly (Isa 2:3).

      ways—The course of action, which God points out; as in Ps 50:23, Margin.

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