Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. His substance also was seven thousand sheep ] A thousand, says the Chaldee, for each of his sons. Three thousand camels: a thousand for each of his daughters. Five hundred yoke of oxen for himself. And five hundred she-asses for his wife. Thus the Targum divides the substance of this eminent man.
A very great household ] dam hbr hdb[ abuddah rabbah meod, "a very great estate.' The word hdb[ abuddah refers chiefly to husbandry, including all manner of labour in the field, with cattle, and every description of servants.
The greatest of all the men of the East. ] He was more eminent than any other person in that region in wisdom, wealth, and piety. He was the chief emir of that district
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - Job was prosperous, and yet pious. Though it is hard and rare, it is not impossible for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. By God's grace the temptations of worldly wealth may be overcome. The account of Job's piety and prosperity comes before the history of his great afflictions, showing that neither will secure from troubles While Job beheld the harmony and comforts of his sons with satisfaction, his knowledge of the human heart made him fearful for them. He sent and sanctified them, reminding them to examin themselves, to confess their sins, to seek forgiveness; and as one wh hoped for acceptance with God through the promised Saviour, he offere a burnt-offering for each. We perceive his care for their souls, his knowledge of the sinful state of man, his entire dependence on God' mercy in the way he had appointed.
Original Hebrew ויהי1961 מקנהו4735 שׁבעת7651 אלפי505 צאן6629 ושׁלשׁת7969 אלפי505 גמלים1581 וחמשׁ2568 מאות3967 צמד6776 בקר1241 וחמשׁ2568 מאות3967 אתונות860 ועבדה5657 רבה7227 מאד3966 ויהי1961 האישׁ376 ההוא1931 גדול1419 מכל3605 בני1121 קדם׃6924
