Job 10:16

16. For it increaseth, etc. And (if) it (the head) lift itself up, thou huntest me like the lion, ( shahhal,) see note, Job 4:10. This image is of frequent occurrence. (Isaiah 31:4; Isaiah 38:13; Hosea 5:14; Hosea 13:7.) “Good and Boothroyd seem rightly to consider that the fine passage in this and the following verse refers to the sport which lions, and, indeed, all the feline tribe, exercise over their prey before they finally devour it.” DR. KITTO, Pict. Bible. This painful feature of instinct is relieved by the consideration that the senses of the victim are probably to a good extent paralyzed. Such was the experience of Dr. Livingstone when once in the jaws of a lion. ( Travels in South Africa, p. 12.) The figure is one of unspeakable terror, but not necessitated by the text, though the Speaker’s Commentary seems to adopt it.

Marvellous upon me “Mighty against me.” (Furst.) The crude form of the verb is the same as Isaiah 9:6, translated wonderful. God adapts his afflictions to the heart. He shows as marvellous wisdom in the various visitations he makes to the souls of men as he does in the works of creation.