Albert Barnes Commentary Job 24:3

Albert Barnes Commentary

Job 24:3

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Job 24:3

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"They drive away the ass of the fatherless; They take the widow`s ox for a pledge." — Job 24:3 (ASV)

They drive away the ass of the fatherless - Of the orphan, who cannot protect himself, and whose only property may be 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.