the wicked man writhes in pain all his days, even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 20. Proud; uncertain. Hebrew “in pain.” Bible.—Septuagint “numbered,” or few. Genesis 34:30. These are the maxims which Eliphaz had received in a vision, or from the ancients, verse 17. The description of a tyrant’s life was admirably verified in Dionysius, of Syracuse, ( Calmet.) and in our Cromwell, ( Bible.)—
“—pale and trembling in the dead of night.” Pope.
—who rarely lodged two night in one chamber. Clarendon.—Such live in dread, ( Bible.) and seldom die a natural death.
Ad generum Cereris sine cæde et vulnere pauci
Descendunt reges et siccâ morte Tyranni. Juv. x. 113.
Nocte dieque suum gestare in pectore testem. Juv. xiii.
They bear always about the witness, “conscience.” Bible.—They distrust every one, and are hated by all.
Districtus ensis cui super impia
Cervice pendet, and so forth Hor. iii. Ode 1.
—These miseries are incident to the wicked, but are improperly addressed to Job. Worthington.