John Trapp on Job 33:18

Verſe 18. He keepeth back his ſoul from the pit] Or, That he may keep back his ſoul, that is, his body, as Pſal. 16.10. Lev. 21.1. from the pit; i.e. from the grave, or from the pit-fals made for him by his enemies. A penitent perſon redeemeth his own ſorrows, and provideth for his own ſafety, Pſal. 91. and accordingly ſome read it, He ſhall keep back his own ſoul, &c.

And his life from periſhing by the ſword] Whether by the ſword of God or man, he ſhall be extra jactum, out of the gunſhot or danger of any death, whether corporal or eternal. The univerſal Antidote for all the judgements of God, is, our humble repentance. Aaron eſcaped by it, when Miriam was ſmitten with Leproſie. Per miſerere mei, tollitur ira Dei. This is the Rain-bow, which if God ſee ſhining in our hearts, he will never drowne our ſouls. Jehoſaphat by this eſcaped the edge of the ſword. David and his poor ſheep the ſtroak of the puniſhing Angel; all the crowned Saints now in heaven the damnation of hell, &c.