Job 21:17 | JFB | STEP | 17. Job in this whole passage down to quotes the assertion of the friends, as to the short continuance of the sinner's prosperity, not his own sentiments. In he proceeds to refute them. "How oft is the candle" (lamp), &c., quoting Bildad's sentiment ( , ), in order to question its truth (compare ). how oft-- "God distributeth," &c. (alluding to , ). sorrows-- Umbreit translates "snares," literally, "cords," which lightning in its twining motion resembles ( ).

‏ Job 21:17

17. Job in this whole passage down to Job 21:21 quotes the assertion of the friends, as to the short continuance of the sinner's prosperity, not his own sentiments. In Job 21:22 he proceeds to refute them. "How oft is the candle" (lamp), &c., quoting Bildad's sentiment (Job 18:5, 6), in order to question its truth (compare Mt 25:8).

how oft--"God distributeth," &c. (alluding to Job 20:23, 29).

sorrows--Umbreit translates "snares," literally, "cords," which lightning in its twining motion resembles (Psa 11:6).