Attributed commentary excerpt
Barnes' Notes on Job 12:21
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
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Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · 19th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
He poureth contempt upon princes - He has power to hurl them from their thrones, and to overwhelm them with disgrace. And weakeneth the strength of the mighty - Margin, as in Hebrew “looseth the girdle of the strong.” The Orientals wore loose flowing robes, which were secured by a girdle around the loins. When they labored, ran, or traveled, their robes were girded up. But this is common everywhere. Wrestlers, leapers, and runners, put a girdle around them, and are able thus to accomplish much more than they otherwise could. To loosen that, is to weaken them. So Job says that God had power to loosen the strength of the mighty. He here seems to labor for expressions, and varies the form of the image in every way to show the absolute control which God has over people, and the fact that his power is seen in the reverses of mankind. Lucretius has a passage strongly resembling this in the general sentiment: Usque adeo res humanas vis abdita quaedam Obterit; et pulchros fasces, saevasque secures, Proculcare, atque ludibrio sibi habere, videtur. Lib. v. 1232. So from his awful shades, some Power unseen O’erthrows all human greatness! Treads to dust Rods, ensigns, crowns - the proudest pomps of state; And laughs at all the mockery of mad! Good. return to 'Top of Page'
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