Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJob 30

Job's Humbled ConditionIn this passage, Job sadly describes how he has fallen from a place of honor to a place of disgrace. He feels deeply the pain of being mocked and looked down on, especially by people who were once far beneath him. Job’s suffering is made worse by the fact that those who insult him are the most lowly and poor in society. His story shows how quickly public respect can disappear and how cruel people can be when someone is in trouble.v. 1–2: Job says that now even young men, who should respect him for his age, laugh at him. These are the children of men whom Job would not have trusted even with the dogs of his flock (Job 30:1 ). Their parents were so poor and untrustworthy that Job would not have let them work for him, because they were not helpful or reliable (Job 30:2 ).

v. 3–4: These people are extremely poor and often hungry (Job 30:3 ). They live in the wild and eat plants to survive, like mallows by the bushes (Job 30:4 ). Their lives are hard because of their own laziness and bad choices.

v. 5–7: Job describes how these people are outcasts, forced to live away from society in caves and among bushes, making noise like wild animals (Job 30:5-7 ). No one wants to be near them, and they are seen as the lowest of the low.

v. 8: They are called viler than the earth . No one respects them or wants to be associated with them. They have no honor or good reputation.

v. 9–10: Even these poor and despised people now make fun of Job. I am their song and their byword (Job 30:9 ). They avoid him as if he is disgusting, and treat him with great disrespect (Job 30:10 ).

v. 11–12: Job explains that all this happened because God has taken away his honor and power. Now, people do whatever they want against him, even tripping him up and kicking him (Job 30:11-12 ). The crowd is cruel, and Job is left defenseless.

v. 13–14: The people plot against Job, blaming him for their problems and trying to make his suffering even worse. They attack him together, like a flood breaking through a wall (Job 30:13-14 ). They have no kindness or mercy.

Job Complains of His AfflictionIn this part of his speech, Job pours out his sorrow and pain. He describes how deeply he is suffering, both in his body and in his spirit. Job feels overwhelmed by trouble, and he finds little comfort. He remembers how he once helped others in their suffering, but now he is the one in need of pity.v. 15: Job feels surrounded by terror. All his honor is gone, and his hope has been driven away like the wind. He is left with nothing but shame and pain. Job says, Terrors are turned upon me…, showing that he feels consumed by fear and sadness . His happiness has disappeared like a cloud, and he feels weak inside, unable to find strength to face his pain. This chapter reminds us that respect and popularity can disappear quickly. Even good people may be mocked and treated unfairly. Job’s experience is also a picture of how Jesus was despised and rejected in his suffering (Psalm 22:6; Isaiah 53:3 ).

v. 16: Job continues, saying his soul is "poured out" in grief and despair. He feels completely overwhelmed by his suffering .

v. 17–18: Job’s body is full of pain. My bones are pierced in me in the night season (Job 30:17 ). He cannot sleep because of his suffering. His skin is black and his clothes are dirty and stiff from his sores (Job 30:18 ). He feels like he is lying in the dirt, already close to death.

v. 19–20: Job feels that God has thrown him into the mud and does not answer his prayers. I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me (Job 30:20 ). He is desperate for help, but God seems far away.

v. 21–22: Job accuses God of being cruel to him. Thou art become cruel to me (Job 30:21 ). He feels powerless, like something blown away by the wind. He believes God is using all His strength against him, and he cannot resist.

v. 23: Job expects that God will soon bring him to death. I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living . He knows that everyone must die, and he feels his end is near.

v. 24–25: Even though Job is suffering, he remembers how he once cared for others in trouble. Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? (Job 30:25 ). He had compassion for the poor and hurting, and now he hopes that someone will have pity on him.

v. 26–27: Job is disappointed because he hoped for good, but only trouble came. My bowels boiled, and rested not (Job 30:27 ). He is always sad and restless, and his suffering never stops.

v. 28–29: Job says he walks in darkness and cries out in pain. I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls (Job 30:29 ). He feels alone, like wild animals that live in lonely places.

v. 30–31: Job’s skin is black and burning with fever. My harp is turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of those that weep (Job 30:31 ). His life, once full of music and joy, is now filled with sadness and tears.