Ver. 4.—For the arrows of the Lord are in me (Job 6:4). 4. By arrows are signified either preaching or punishment.—By the name of arrows are sometimes designated the words of preaching, sometimes the sentences of chastisement. For the utterances of preaching are expressed by arrows, because in that they strike the vices, they pierce through the hearts of those who live evilly. Of these arrows it is said to the coming Redeemer: 'Thy arrows are sharp, O most mighty; the peoples shall fall under thee, in the heart' (Ps. 44:6). Of whom Isaiah says: 'I will send of them that shall be saved to the nations into the sea, into Africa, and into Lydia, holding the arrow, into Italy, into Greece' (Isa. 66:19).
Again, by arrows is designated the stroke of chastisement, as is said to King Joash through Elisha: 'Shoot the arrow.' And as he shot he said: 'Thou shalt strike Syria, until thou consume it' (2 Kings 13:17). The holy man therefore, because he regards the misery of his pilgrimage, because he groans under the strokes of the Lord's chastisement, says: 'Wherefore also my words are full of sorrow, because the arrows of the Lord are in me.' [Recension III] As if he openly said: I do not rejoice in the condemnation of exile, but, being set under judgment, I grieve, because I acknowledge the force of the stroke. But there are very many whom torments torture, yet do not amend. Whereto it is fitly subjoined: