Albert Barnes Commentary Job 40:13

Albert Barnes Commentary

Job 40:13

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Job 40:13

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"Hide them in the dust together; Bind their faces in the hidden [place]." — Job 40:13 (ASV)

Hide them in the dust together; - compare Isaiah 2:10. The meaning seems to be that God had power to prostrate the wicked in the dust of the earth, and he calls upon Job to show his power by doing the same thing.

And bind their faces in secret - The word “faces” here is probably used (like the Greek πρίσωπα prisōpa to denote “persons.”) The phrase “to bind them,” is expressive of having them under control or subjection; and the phrase “in secret” may refer to some secret or safe place – as a dungeon or prison. The meaning of the whole is that God had power to restrain and control the haughty and the wicked, and he appeals to Job to do the same.