Commentaries:
Barnes' Notes
He delivereth the poor in his affliction - Margin, "or afflicted." This accords better with the usual meaning of the Hebrew word ( ‛ânı̂y ) and with the connection. The inquiry was not particularly respecting the "poor," but the "afflicted," and the sentiment which Elihu is illustrating is, that when the afflicted call upon God he will deliver them. The object is to induce Job to make such an application to God that he might be rescued from his calamities, and be permitted yet to enjoy life and happiness.
And openeth their ears - Causes them to understand the nature of his government, and the reasons why he visits them in this manner: compare Job 33:16, Job 33:23-27. The sentiment here is a mere repetition of what Elihu had more than once before advanced. It is his leading thought; the "principle" on which he undertakes to explain the reason why God afflicts people, and by which he proposes to remove the difference between Job and his friends.
In oppression - This word expresses too much. It refers to God, and implies that there was something oppressive, harsh, or cruel in his dealings. This is not the idea of Elihu in the language which he uses. The word which he uses here ( lachats ) means "that which crushes" ; then straits, distress. affliction. Jerome, "in tribulatione." The word "affliction" would express the thought.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Psalms 42:9
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