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The mystery of the Divine dealings is revealed in this book. The view from a human standpoint is given. Job and his friends see not the spiritual side of the whole transaction. The Divine purpose is hidden. Job knows not that it is "Satan" that has instigated all these afflictions. He knows not that God has given permission for his trial. Nor does he know the limitations put upon that trial, nor the final issue. The severity of the Divine judgments (so are they in Job's view) is represented in striking language.

I. AS A DELIVERING OVER TO THE UNGODLY. He is cast into the hands of the evil-doer.

II. As A DESTRUCTION OF EXTERNAL PROSPERITY. "I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder."

III. As AN INFLICTION OF SEVERE PAINS. "He cleaveth my reins asunder."

IV. As A SUCCESSION OF REPEATED INFLICTIONS. "He breaketh me with breach upon breach." These judgments evoke from Job:

1. The lowliest humiliation. He bows in "sackcloth," and lays his "horn in the dust."

2. He pours out his soul in penitence, and his face is even "foul with weeping."

3. Over him hangs the gloom "the shadow" - "of death."

4. In the consciousness of integrity he makes his "pure" prayer to God. The interest of these few lines is very great in the general working out of the plot of the history. Happy he who in the midst of his sorrows can bow in lowly penitence under the severities of the Divine judgments, still retaining the assurance of his sincerity, and waiting the final award. - R.G.

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KJV: God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked.

WEB: God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked.