Job 31

Job 31:1

I made] In this Chapter Job most of all doth clear his innocencie, and the uprightnesse of his former life: Implying thereby, that these extraordinary plagues and punishments came not upon him for his extraordinary sins, or hypocrisie, as his three friends would needs have it. He clears himself in many main particulars, That he was clear from fornication; and Adultery; ver. 1,—12. from ill dealing with his servants, ver. 13, 14, 15. from unmercifulnesse to the poore; or wronging the widow, 16,—23. from trusting in riches, ver. 24, 25. from Idolatry, ver. 26, 27, 28. from desire of Revenge, ver. 29, 30. or unkindnesse to strangers; or hiding his own sins ver. 32, 33. or provoking and wronging others, ver. 34—37. or detaining other mens lands; or the hirelings wages, ver, 38, 39, 40. And he annexeth several solemne imprecations against himself, if all the premises were not so in truth.

Job 31:27

or my mouth hath kissed my hand] Kissing the Idols was Idolatry, 1 King. XIX. 18. Hos. XIII. 2. The Sunne and Moone being at such a distance, could not be kissed; therefore Idolaters used to put their hand to their mouth, in a way and signe of their idolatrous Kissing and worshipping of them.

Job 31:31

Oh that we had of his flesh] The flesh of him that hated Job. Jobs domesticks provoked him to take revenge on his hating enemies; professing, themselves could not be satisfied, no not though they had eaten them up quick. Yet Job free from any revenge.

Job 31:40

of Job are ended] Which he had with his three friends.