30:1 But now Job uses the Hebrew phrase we'attah, often translated “but now,” three times in the chapter (Job 30:1, 9, 16) to emphasize the contrast between his past and present circumstances.

those younger than I, as far as days Previously respected by people with status and authority (29:8–10), Job is now mocked by those of low status. Younger people were expected to show respect to their elders.

setting with the dogs of my sheep and goats Those mocking Job are not from respected families—Job would not even put his dogs in their care. Dogs were despised as scavengers in the ancient Near East (Exod 22:31; 1 Sam 17:43; 2 Sam 16:9; 1 Kgs 14:11; Psa 59:14–15; Prov 26:11).

30:4 salt herbs The food mentioned in this verse would be only for desperate people. The Hebrew term used here related to salt, malluach, does not occur elsewhere in the ot. In the rabbinic work the Talmud, it is referred to as the food of the poor (Babylonian Talmud, Qiddushin 66a).

30:7 They bray among the bushes Indicates crying out from hunger (6:5).

30:9 I am their mocking song Job became the subject of mocking, satirical songs (Psa 69:12).

30:10 spit from my face Spitting on someone was a sign of disapproval or disrespect (Num 12:14; Deut 25:9; Isa 50:6).

30:11 he has loosened his bowstring The Hebrew word used here, yether, can refer to the central cord of a tent (Job 4:21) or the string of a bow (Psa 11:2). The idea behind either option here is that Job has been humbled by God, causing people to mock and ridicule him.

30:16 my life Job moves away from his emotional suffering to describe his physical suffering. Job describes this suffering using the Hebrew word nephesh—a term that can mean “soul” or “life”—to indicate that he believes that he is close to death (7:21).

Old Testament Anthropology

30:17 I am in great pain Job’s pain prevented him from sleeping (7:3).

30:19 dust and ashes Materials used in mourning rituals. After hearing from God, Job will repent in dust and ashes (42:6). See 2:8 and note, and 2:12 and note.

30:20 you do not answer me Job reminds God of his many petitions. He has often sought God (13:22; 23:3–7), and is frustrated that he has received no answer (13:24; 19:7; 23:8–9).

30:21 You have turned cruel to me Job feels that God has become an enemy (13:24). God’s friendship (29:4) has given way to persecution (see note on 16:9).

30:22 You lift me up to the wind Just like the wicked, God swept Job away with the wind (compare 27:21).

30:23 you will bring me to death Job believes his death is imminent (7:21; 10:20–22), and hopes it will come quickly to relieve him of his suffering (6:8–9; 14:13).

30:25 Have I not wept for the unfortunate Job hoped to receive the same kindness he showed to those in need (29:12–17).

30:26 I hoped for good, but evil came Job called out to God, hoping for help or relief. Instead, his suffering only increased. His friends have made the situation worse by accusing and rebuking him instead of comforting him.

I waited for light, but darkness came Contrasts Job’s former days when God lit his path (see 29:3; compare 3:4 and note).

30:29 a companion for the jackals and a companion for ostriches Job probably likens himself to these animals because of the mournful sounds they make (compare Mic 1:8).

30:30 turns black on me Refers to Job’s physical illness, the exact nature of which is unknown. See note on Job 7:5.

30:31 my lyre came to be used for mourning Contrasts with the lyre and pipe of the wicked, which are used for joyful celebrations (21:12).