yet my hands are free of violence and my prayer is pure.
Job's condition was very deplorable; but had he nothing to support him, nothing to comfort him? Yes, and he here tells us what it was. I. He had the testimony of his conscience for him that he had walked uprightly, and had never allowed himself in any gross sin.
Commenting on Job 16:17-22
O earth, cover not thou my blood,.... This is an imprecation, wishing that if; he had been guilty of any capital crime, of such acts of injustice that he ought to be punished by the judge, and even to die for them, that his blood when spilt might not be received into the earth, but be licked up by dogs, or that he might have...
Not for [any] injustice in mine hands: also my prayer [is] pure. (q) Signifying that he is not able to understand the cause of this his grievous punishment. (r) That is, unfeigned and without hypocrisy.