11 Terrors startle him on every side and dog his every step.
11 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive
11 Terrors frighten him on every side, and chase him at his heels.
11 Terrors come at them from all sides. They run helter-skelter.
11 Terrors frighten him on every side, And drive him to his feet.
11 "Terrors surround the wicked and trouble them at every step.
11 why it is so dark you cannot see, and why a flood of water covers you.
11 Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee.
11 or darkness, so that you cannot see, and a flood of water covers you.
11 How do you like living in the dark, sightless, up to your neck in flood waters?
11 Or darkness so that you cannot see; And an abundance of water covers you.
11 That is why you cannot see in the darkness, and waves of water cover you.
(Read Job 22:5-14)
Eliphaz brought heavy charges against Job, without reason for his accusations, except that Job was visited as he supposed God always visited every wicked man. He charges him with oppression, and that he did harm with his wealth and power in the time of his prosperity.
21 "Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.
21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace:
21 "Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.
21 "Give in to God, come to terms with him and everything will turn out just fine.
21 "Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you.
21 "Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you.
(Read Job 22:21-30)
The answer of Eliphaz wrongly implied that Job had hitherto not known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good, though, as to Job, it was built upon a false supposition that he was a stranger and enemy to God. Let us beware of slandering our brethren; and if it be our lot to suffer in this manner, let us remember how Job was treated; yea, how Jesus was reviled, that we may be patient. Let us examine whether there may not be some colour for the slander, and walk watchfully, so as to be clear of all appearances of evil.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 18:11
Commentary on Job 18:11-21
(Read Job 18:11-21)
Bildad describes the destruction wicked people are kept for, in the other world, and which in some degree, often seizes them in this world. The way of sin is the way of fear, and leads to everlasting confusion, of which the present terrors of an impure conscience are earnests, as in Cain and Judas. Miserable indeed is a wicked man's death, how secure soever his life was. See him dying; all that he trusts to for his support shall be taken from him. How happy are the saints, and how indebted to the lord Jesus, by whom death is so far done away and changed, that this king of terrors is become a friend and a servant! See the wicked man's family sunk and cut off. His children shall perish, either with him or after him. Those who consult the true honour of their family, and its welfare, will be afraid of withering all by sin. The judgments of God follow the wicked man after death in this world, as a proof of the misery his soul is in after death, and as an earnest of that everlasting shame and contempt to which he shall rise in the great day. The memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot, Proverbs 10:7. It would be well if this report of wicked men would cause any to flee from the wrath to come, from which their power, policy, and riches cannot deliver them. But Jesus ever liveth to deliver all who trust in him. Bear up then, suffering believers. Ye shall for a little time have sorrow, but your Beloved, your Saviour, will see you again; your hearts shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh away.