Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. O that I were as in months past ] Job seems here to make an apology for his complaints, by taking a view of his former prosperity, which was very great, but was now entirely at an end. He shows that it was not removed because of any bad use he had made of it; and describes how he behaved himself before God and man, and how much, for justice, benevolence, and mercy, he was esteemed and honoured by the wise and good.
Preserved me ] Kept, guarded, and watched over me.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - Job proceeds to contrast his former prosperity with his present misery through God's withdrawing from him. A gracious soul delights in God' smiles, not in the smiles of this world. Four things were then very pleasant to holy Job. 1. The confidence he had in the Divin protection. 2. The enjoyment he had of the Divine favour. 3. The communion he had with the Divine word. 4. The assurance he had of the Divine presence. God's presence with a man in his house, though it be but a cottage, makes it a castle and a palace. Then also he had comfor in his family. Riches and flourishing families, like a candle, may be soon extinguished. But when the mind is enlightened by the Holy Spirit when a man walks in the light of God's countenance, every outwar comfort is doubled, every trouble is diminished, and he may pas cheerfully by this light through life and through death. Yet the sensible comfort of this state is often withdrawn for a season; an commonly this arises from sinful neglect, and grieving the Holy Spirit sometimes it may be a trial of a man's faith and grace. But it is needful to examine ourselves, to seek for the cause of such a change by fervent prayer, and to increase our watchfulness.
Original Hebrew מי4310 יתנני5414 כירחי3391 קדם6924 כימי3117 אלוה433 ישׁמרני׃8104
