Job 29:19

“My root [was] spread out by the waters, etc.] According to our version and others, Job here, and in the following verses, gives the reasons of his hope and confidence of his long life, and quiet and comfortable death amidst all his prosperity and happiness; which were founded upon his flourishing circumstances, and the great respect that was shown him among men; and this is the sense, if we read the words in the past tense, as we and many others do; or in the present tense, “my root is spread”, etc. as others; but there are some interpreters, both Jewish and Christian f1046, that render them in the future tense, here and to the end of the chapter; and so they are a continuation of Job’s hope…”

“Literally, "opened to the waters." Opposed to Job 18:16. Vigorous health.”

“My root was spread out by the waters - Margin, as the Hebrew, “opened.” The meaning is, that it was spread abroad or extended far, so that the moisture of the earth had free access to it; or it was like a tree planted near a stream, whose root ran down to the water. This is an image designed to denote great prosperity. In the East, such an image would be more striking than with us. Here green, large, and beautiful trees are so common as to excite little or no attention. In such a country as Arabia, however, where general desolation exists, such a tree would be a most beautiful object, and a most striking image of prosperity; compare DeWette on Psalms 1:3. And the dew lay all night upon my…”

“root: Job 18:16; Psa 1:3; Jer 17:8; Hos 14:5-7 spread out: Heb. opened Job 29:20”