Hid themselves; either out of a profound reverence to my person and dignity, or out of a conscience of their own guilt or folly, which they supposed I might either understand by information from others, or discover by their countenances or carriages in my presence, for which they knew I would reprove them, and bring them to shame, or other punishment. Stood up, whilst I either passed by them, or as present with them. See Leviticus 19:32 1 Kings 2:19. So great a veneration they had for my person, in regard of that wisdom, and justice, and faithfulness which they discerned in me, and in all my proceedings. And therefore they judged quite otherwise of me than you now do.
Related Commentaries of Job 29:8
Job 29:8
8 The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up.