Men move boundary stones;
In ancient times, boundary stones were used to demarcate property lines and were considered sacred and inviolable. Moving them was a serious offense, as it was essentially an act of theft and deceit. This practice is condemned in the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 19:14; 27:17), highlighting the importance of respecting property rights and maintaining justice. The act of moving boundary stones symbolizes a broader disregard for God's laws and the social order He established. It reflects a deeper moral corruption and a willingness to exploit others for personal gain.

they pasture stolen flocks.
Pasturing stolen flocks indicates not only theft but also the ongoing benefit derived from such an act. In the agrarian society of the ancient Near East, livestock was a primary source of wealth and sustenance. Stealing and then pasturing these flocks suggests a blatant and shameless continuation of wrongdoing. This behavior is indicative of a society where justice is perverted, and the wicked prosper at the expense of the righteous. The imagery of stolen flocks can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual leaders who exploit their congregations, as seen in Ezekiel 34, where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for feeding themselves rather than the flock. This phrase underscores the theme of injustice and the suffering of the innocent, a central concern in the Book of Job.

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who endures immense suffering and questions the justice of God.

2. Men
Refers to those who commit acts of injustice, specifically those who move boundary stones and steal flocks, symbolizing deceit and theft.

3. Boundary Stones
Physical markers used in ancient times to delineate property lines, representing the integrity of property rights and justice.

4. Stolen Flocks
Represents the act of theft and exploitation, highlighting the moral decay and injustice present in society.

5. Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, a region whose exact location is uncertain but is traditionally associated with the area east of Israel.Respect for Property and Justice
The act of moving boundary stones is a metaphor for violating justice and property rights. Christians are called to uphold integrity and fairness in all dealings.

Awareness of Injustice
Job's observation of societal wrongs challenges believers to be aware of and address injustices in their communities.

Moral Decay and Accountability
The passage highlights the moral decay in society. Believers should hold themselves and others accountable to God's standards.

Trust in God's Justice
Despite the prevalence of injustice, Christians are encouraged to trust in God's ultimate justice and righteousness.

Role of the Community
The community has a role in maintaining justice and protecting the vulnerable from exploitation and theft.(2) Some remove the landmarks.--Now follows a description of the wrong-doings of various classes of men. The removal of landmarks was expressly provided against by the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 19:14; Deuteronomy 27:17).

And feed thereof.--Rather, probably, feed them: i.e., pasture them, the more easy to do when the landmarks are so removed.

Verse 2. - Some remove the landmarks. (On this form of wickedness, see Deuteronomy 19:14; Deuteronomy 27:17; Proverbs 22:28; Proverbs 23:10; Hosea 5:10.) Where neighbouring properties are not divided by fences of any kind, as in the East generally, the only way of distinguishing between one man's land and another's is by termini, or "landmarks," which are generally low stone metes or bourns, placed at intervals on the boundary-line. An easy form of robbery was to displace these bourns, putting them further back on one's neighbour's land. They violently take away flocks. Others openly drive off their neighbours' flocks from their pastures, mix them with their own flocks, and say that they are theirs (comp. Job 1:15-17). And feed thereof; rather, and feed them (as in the margin); i.e. pasture them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Men move
יַשִּׂ֑יגוּ (yaś·śî·ḡū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5381: To reach, overtake

boundary stones;
גְּבֻל֥וֹת (gə·ḇu·lō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1367: A boundary, region

they pasture
וַיִּרְעֽוּ׃ (way·yir·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

stolen
גָּ֝זְל֗וּ (gā·zə·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1497: To pluck off, to flay, strip, rob

flocks.
עֵ֥דֶר (‘ê·ḏer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5739: An arrangement, muster


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OT Poetry: Job 24:2 There are people who remove the landmarks (Jb)