איוב, פרק ל׳, פסוק י״ב

Job experiences a dramatic fall in status, suffering deep humiliation at the hands of the absolute lowest margins of society. Once treated with the honor reserved for kings, he now finds himself despised and attacked by an unrestrained mob that shows him no respect. The primary approach among commentators is that his attackers are reckless, unruly youths [רמב״ן, רלב״ג, מצודת ציון, אבן עזרא]. A different perspective identifies them as lepers and societal outcasts [מלבי״ם]. On a more spiritual level, this mob can be seen as a manifestation of impure forces and strong heavenly accusers created as a result of past sins [אלשיך].

These attackers display incredible arrogance in their approach. They deliberately stand on Job's right side, a position of honor that was once strictly reserved for his respected companions and personal guards. By taking this spot, they show their complete disdain and prove they are not the least bit intimidated by him [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. From this position, they launch a humiliating assault. Most commentators explain that this involves physical shoving; when walking in narrow spaces, the mob kicks Job's feet and shoves him aside [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Other views suggest they lay nets and traps to make him stumble [תקות אנוש], or scatter thorns across his path [אבן עזרא]. A more severe interpretation suggests they literally stab his feet with weapons [מלבי״ם]. In an allegorical sense, this physical pushing symbolizes forcing Job into exile [אלשיך].

The hostility is relentless, as the attackers pave a constant, fearless path of sorrow and disaster for him [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Some commentators point out a tragic role reversal in this ongoing abuse. The very outcasts and lepers whom Job previously distanced from civilized society now force their own miserable, isolated existence upon him, turning him into the ultimate outcast [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another interpretation explains that they actively ruin his way forward, filling his path with thorns to ensure he trips into the disasters they have carefully prepared [אבן עזרא, תקות אנוש], with the pure intention of causing him harm, sickness, and suffering [אלשיך].