Tyndale Open Study NotesJob 24

reserve times: God sets times for judgment (Ecclesiastes 3:17; 8:6; Daniel 2:21; Luke 21:22–24). But we do not know when they are (Acts 1:7). He will reveal them at the right time (1 Thessalonians 5:1–28; 1 Timothy 6:15).

This list of criminal behaviors first emphasizes crimes against weak people (24:2–12). Then it examines the criminals themselves (24:13–17).

The books of the law, wisdom literature, and prophecy all condemned moving markers of boundaries (Deuteronomy 19:14; 27:17; Proverbs 22:28; 23:10; see study note on Hosea 5:10).

The law prohibited taking essential possessions as security or a down payment for a loan (22:6–9; Deuteronomy 24:6, 10–13, 17–21).

glean the vineyards of the wicked: Job described the desperate situation of poor people. If someone stole their fields like in the case of Naboth's vineyard, the poor person would harvest for the thieves instead of for themselves (24:2; see 1 Kings 21:1–29). They would only get the bits that remained. If the poor had to glean from fields of the wicked people, they would receive nothing (Leviticus 19:10; 23:22). But if they would try to gather from the fields of just people, they would be something left for them (Leviticus 19:9–10; 23:22; Ruth 2:1–23).

Those who did not lend fairly sometimes took the clothing or blankets of those in debt as a security for the loan. This left those in debt without proper clothing or covering (22:6; Exodus 22:26–27; Deuteronomy 24:11–13; Amos 2:8).

the nursing child of the poor is seized for a debt: See 2 Kings 4:1; Nehemiah 5:1–5; Matthew 18:25.

Forcing workers to tread the winepresses while they go thirsty violates the principle of letting workers enjoy some of the produce they are harvesting (see Deuteronomy 25:4; compare 2 Timothy 2:6).

yet God charges no one with wrongdoing: Job thought that, unlike God's usual character, God did not help those treated wrong or stop evil people from hurting their victims (Exodus 2:23–24; Psalm 12:5; Job 24:2–12; 24:13–17).

These ideas seem to go against Job's observations. Some scholars think Bildad or Zophar might have said them. However, Job might have been speaking against evil people, making fun of his friends' opinions by quoting them. Or he might have meant that the fate of evil people also affects those in a right relationship with God. His friends described this earlier (5:2–7; 15:17–25; 8:8–19; 18:5–21; 20:4–29; 21:23–26).