Job 5:11

11 He raises up the down-and-out, gives firm footing to those sinking in grief.

Job 5:11 Meaning and Commentary

Job 5:11

To set up on high those that be low
Not the low plants, which, through rain, are made to run up on high, though there is a truth in that; but husbandmen and gardeners, and such like persons, in low circumstances, who, by means of showers of rain, which make their gardens, fields, and lands fruitful, are raised to enjoy good estates, and large possessions:

that those which mourn may be exalted to safety;
or "are black" ^F12, that are clothed in black, as a token of mourning; or whose faces are black with famine, see ( Lamentations 4:8 ) ( 5:10 ) ; or are in very distressed circumstances, and black through poverty, as the Targum, and mourn over and grieve at their sad and deplorable case; those, through rain and fruitful seasons, are brought out of such an uncomfortable situation, and put into a better condition of life, where they are as in a fortress, out of the reach of such sad calamities: some connect the words with the following, that in order to do this, to raise up the humble and exalt mourners, "he disappoints the devices of the crafty", &c. ( Job 5:12 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F12 (Myrdq) "denigrati", Montanus, Bolducius; "atrati", Cocceius, Schmidt, Michaelis; "pullati", Pagninus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Mercerus, Beza; "sordidati", Schultens.

Job 5:11 In-Context

9 After all, he's famous for great and unexpected acts; there's no end to his surprises.

10 He gives rain, for instance, across the wide earth, sends water to irrigate the fields.

11 He raises up the down-and-out, gives firm footing to those sinking in grief.

12 He aborts the schemes of conniving crooks, so that none of their plots come to term.

13 He catches the know-it-alls in their conspiracies - all that intricate intrigue swept out with the trash!