Albert Barnes Commentary Job 28:10

"He cutteth out channels among the rocks; And his eye seeth every precious thing." — Job 28:10 (ASV)

He cutteth out rivers among the rocks - That is, in his operations of mining, he cuts channels for the water to flow off through the rocks. This was done, as it is now, for the purpose of drawing off the water that accumulates in mines.

His eye seeth every precious thing - Every valuable mineral or precious stone that lies embedded in the rocks. It is evident from this, that mining operations were carried to a considerable extent in the time of Job. The art of thus penetrating the earth, and laying open its secret treasures, indicates an advanced stage of society - a stage much removed from barbarism.