Job 29:17

And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.

And I brake {H7665} the jaws {H4973} of the wicked {H5767}, and plucked {H7993} the spoil {H2964} out of his teeth {H8127}.

I broke the jaws of the unrighteous and snatched the prey from his teeth.

I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth.

And I brake the jaws of the unrighteous, And plucked the prey out of his teeth.

In Job 29:17, Job continues his eloquent defense and lament, recalling the days of his prosperity and influence before his immense suffering. This verse vividly illustrates his active role as a righteous judge and protector of the vulnerable in his community.

Context

This verse is part of Job’s extensive monologue in Job Chapter 29, where he reminisces about his former glory and the respect he commanded. He contrasts his past state of blessing, where he was honored and influential, with his current misery. Throughout this chapter, Job describes how he used his position and resources to benefit the needy and the oppressed. He speaks of being "eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame" (Job 29:15) and a father to the poor (Job 29:16). Verse 17 specifically highlights his decisive action against those who exploited others, demonstrating his commitment to justice.

Key Themes

  • Active Justice: Job was not a passive observer of injustice; he actively intervened. The imagery of "breaking the jaws" and "plucking spoil" signifies a forceful, decisive action taken to prevent oppression and restore what was wrongfully taken.
  • Protection of the Vulnerable: The "wicked" are those who prey on the weak, and the "spoil" represents the unjust gains from such exploitation. Job positioned himself as a bulwark against such wickedness, ensuring that the poor and defenseless received their due. This aligns with the broader biblical call to defend the poor and fatherless.
  • Deliverance from Oppression: This verse underscores Job's role as a deliverer. He rescued victims from the grasp of their oppressors, not just by offering sympathy, but by dismantling the power structure of the wicked.

Linguistic Insights

The imagery in Job 29:17 is powerful and visceral:

  • "Brake the jaws of the wicked": The Hebrew word for "jaws" (malte'ot) refers to the molars or jawbones, implying the crushing power of a predator. To "break" them suggests rendering the wicked powerless, unable to devour or inflict further harm. It's a metaphor for disarming and incapacitating an oppressor.
  • "Plucked the spoil out of his teeth": The word "plucked" (shalaf) means to draw out or snatch, often implying a swift, forceful extraction. "Spoil" (teref) refers to prey or plunder. This phrase vividly portrays Job retrieving what was unjustly seized, restoring it to its rightful owner. It emphasizes his role in speaking up for the voiceless and ensuring restitution.

Practical Application

Job's example in this verse challenges believers today to engage actively in pursuing justice and protecting the marginalized. While we may not literally "break jaws," the principle remains: we are called to:

  • Intervene: Do not stand idly by when injustice occurs. Seek avenues, whether through advocacy, legal means, or social support, to challenge systems and individuals that exploit others.
  • Restore: Work towards restoring what has been lost or taken from the vulnerable. This could involve supporting initiatives that help victims of fraud, abuse, or systemic disadvantage.
  • Speak Up: Be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, echoing the biblical mandate to do justly, and to love mercy.

Reflection

Job's past actions, as described in Job 29:17, serve as a profound example of righteous leadership and compassionate engagement with the world. It highlights a proactive faith that seeks to dismantle oppression and uphold the dignity of every person, reflecting a core aspect of God's own character as a deliverer and protector.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 3:7

    Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies [upon] the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

  • Proverbs 30:14

    [There is] a generation, whose teeth [are as] swords, and their jaw teeth [as] knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from [among] men.

  • Psalms 58:8

    As a snail [which] melteth, let [every one of them] pass away: [like] the untimely birth of a woman, [that] they may not see the sun.

  • Psalms 124:6

    ¶ Blessed [be] the LORD, who hath not given us [as] a prey to their teeth.

  • 1 Samuel 17:35

    And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

  • Psalms 124:3

    Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
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