Job 24:3

“They drive away the ass of the fatherless, etc.] Who are left destitute of friends, and have none to take care of them, and provide for them; and who having one ass to carry their goods for them from place to place, or to ride upon, which though a creature of no great worth, yet of some usefulness, this they drove away from its pasture, or however from its right owner; and who having but one, it was the more cruel and inhuman to take it from him, see, (<101203>2 Samuel 12:3,4); they take the widow’s ox for a pledge; or oxen, the singular for the plural, with which her lands were ploughed, for a single ox could be but of little service: some render it “a cow” f894, by the milk of which she…”

“pledge--alluding to Job 22:6. Others really do, and with impunity, that which Eliphaz falsely charges the afflicted Job with.”

“They drive away the ass of the fatherless - Of the orphan, who cannot protect himself, and whose only property may consist in this useful animal. Injury done to an orphan is always regarded as a crime of special magnitude, for they are unable to protect themselves; see the notes at Job 22:9. They take the widow’s ox for a pledge - See the notes at Job 22:6. The widow was dependent on her ox to till the ground, and hence, the crime of taking it away in pledge for the payment of a debt. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Pledge - Contrary to God's law, first written in mens hearts, and afterwards in holy scripture, Exo 22:26-27. Job 24:4”

“24:3 The law did not allow seizing necessary belongings as security or collateral for a loan (22:6-9; Deut 24:6, 10-13, 17-21).”

“drive: Job 22:6-9, Job 31:16, Job 31:17; Deu 24:6, Deu 24:10-13, Deu 24:17-21; Sa1 12:3 Job 24:4”