Job 5:22

“At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh, etc.] Not deride and despise them, and make a jest of them; for good men have a reverence and awe of the righteous judgments of God upon them, when they are in the world, (<19B9120>Psalm 119:120); but the sense is, that such shall reckon themselves safe and secure amidst such calamities, provision being made for their protection and sustenance; and be cheerful and comfortable, putting their trust and confidence in the Lord, as Habakkuk was, in a time of great distress, when all the necessaries of life were cut off from the stall, the herds, the flocks, and the fields; (<350317>Habakkuk 3:17-19); just as a man that is in a good harbour, or has a…”

“famine thou shalt laugh--Not, in spite of destruction and famine, which is true (Hab 3:17-18), though not the truth meant by Eliphaz, but because those calamities shall not come upon thee. A different Hebrew word from that in Job 5:20; there, famine in general; here, the languid state of those wanting proper nutriment [BARNES].”

“At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh - That is thou shalt be perfectly safe and happy. They shall not come upon thee; and when they approach with threatening aspect, thou shalt smile with conscious security. The word here rendered famine (כפן kâphân) is an unusual word, and differs from that occurring in Job 5:20, רעב râ‛âb. This word is derived from כפן kâphan - to languish, to pine from hunger and thirst. It then means the languid and feeble state which exists where there is a lack of proper nutriment. A sentiment similar to that which is here expressed occurs in Martial, iv. 19, 4. Ridebis ventos line munere tectus, et imbres. “Neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the…”

“Laugh - With a laughter of joy and triumph, arising from a just security and confidence in God's watchful and gracious providence. Job 5:23”

“laugh: Kg2 19:21 afraid: Isa 35:9, Isa 65:25; Eze 34:25 Job 5:23”

“22 At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh, And from the beasts of the earth thou hast nothing to fear. 23 For thou art in league with the stones of the field, And the beasts of the field are at peace with thee. 24 And thou knowest that peace is thy pavilion; And thou searchest thy household, and findest nothing wanting. 25 Thou knowest also that thy seed shall be numerous, And thy offspring as the herb of the ground. 26 Thou shalt come to thy grave in a ripe age, As shocks of corn are brought in in their season. 27 Lo! this we have searched out, so it is: Hear it, and give thou heed to it. The verb שׂחק is construed ( Job 5:22) with ל of that which is despised, as Job 39:7, Job 39:18;…”