3 Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me?
3 "Give me, O God, the pledge you demand. Who else will put up security for me?
3 "Lay down a pledge for me with yourself; who is there who will put up security for me?
3 "O God, pledge your support for me. Give it to me in writing, with your signature. You're the only one who can do it!
3 "Now put down a pledge for me with Yourself. Who is he who will shake hands with me?
3 "You must defend my innocence, OÂ God, since no one else will stand up for me.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 17:3
Commentary on Job 17:1-9
(Read Job 17:1-9)
Job reflects upon the harsh censures his friends had passed upon him, and, looking on himself as a dying man, he appeals to God. Our time is ending. It concerns us carefully to redeem the days of time, and to spend them in getting ready for eternity. We see the good use the righteous should make of Job's afflictions from God, from enemies, and from friends. Instead of being discouraged in the service of God, by the hard usage this faithful servant of God met with, they should be made bold to proceed and persevere therein. Those who keep their eye upon heaven as their end, will keep their feet in the paths of religion as their way, whatever difficulties and discouragements they may meet with.