Job 36:8

“And if [they be] bound in fetters, etc.] Not the wicked, as the Targum, but the righteous spoken of in (<183607>Job 36:7), with which this is closely connected; and this is not to be understood of righteous kings on the throne in particular, or their special favourites, but of the righteous in general; and not in a literal sense, of their bonds and imprisonment for religion and righteousness sake, which is sometimes their lot; but in a figurative sense, of afflictions, as chastenings and corrections for sin, as appears by the next clause; and the design is to obviate an objection, and to show that the eye of God is upon them, and his heart towards them; and they are not the less objects of…”

“If they be afflicted, it is no proof that they are hypocrites, as the friends maintain, or that God disregards them, and is indifferent whether men are good or bad, as Job asserts: God is thereby "disciplining them," and "showing them their sins," and if they bow in a right spirit under God's visiting hand, the greatest blessings ensue.”

“And if they be bound in fetters - That is, if the righteous are thrown into prison, and are subjected to oppressions and trials, or if they are chained down, as it were, on a bed of pain, or crushed by heavy calamities, the eye of God is still upon them. Their sufferings should not be regarded either as proof that they are hypocrites, or that God is regardless of them, and is indifferent whether people are good or evil. The true solution of the difficulty was, that God was then accomplishing purposes of discipline, and that happy results would follow if they would receive affliction in a proper manner. return to 'Top of Page'”

“If - Through the vicissitude of worldly affairs, they are brought from their throne into a prison, as sometimes hath been done. Job 36:9”

“if: Job 13:27, Job 19:6, Job 33:18, Job 33:19; Psa 18:5, Psa 107:10, Psa 116:3; Lam 3:9 cords: Pro 5:22 Job 36:9”

“8 And if they are bound with chains, Holden in cords of affliction: 9 Then He declareth to them their doing And their transgressions, that they have been vainglorious; 10 Then He openeth their ear to warning, And commandeth them to turn from iniquity. The subj. is in no case the רשׁעים (Hahn), but the צדיקים, or those who are as susceptible to discipline as it is needful to them, just as in Ps 107, which in general presents many instances for an extensive comparison with the speeches of Elihu. The chains, Job 36:8, are meant literally, and the bands, Job 36:8, figuratively; the Psalmist couples both in אסירי עני וברזל, Psa 107:10. The conclusion begins with Job 36:9, and is repeated in…”