Matthew Poole and continuators on Job 30:11

11. Because he hath loosed my cord , and afflicted me , they have also let loose the bridle before me .

To wit, God, for it follows, He afflicted me, which was God's work.

Either 1. He hath slackned the string (as this word sometimes signifies) of my Bow, and so rendred my Bow and Arrows useless, either to offend others, or to defend my self; i. e. He hath deprived me of my strength or defence: So this is opposed to that expression, Chap. 29. 20. Or 2. He hath taken away from me that power and authority, wherewith as with a Cord, I bound them to the good behaviour, and kept them within their bounds. The like expression is used in the same sense, Iob 12. 18.

When they perceived that God who had been my faithful Friend and constant Defender had forsaken me, and was become mine Enemy, they presently took this advantage of shewing their malice against me.

They cast off all former restraints of law, or humanity, or modesty, and gave themselves full liberty to speak or act what they pleased against me.

They durst now do those things before mine eyes, which formerly they trembled lest they should come to my ears.