Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
The grounds on which Job was praised (Job 29:11) - his helping the afflicted (Psalms 72:12), who cried to him for help, as a judge, or as one possessed of means of charity; Translate, The fatherless, who had none to help him.
Verse 13. So far was I from sending "widows" away empty (Job 22:9), "I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy."
Ready to perish - (Proverbs 31:6).
Verse 14. (Isaiah 61:10; 1 Chronicles 12:18, margin)
Judgment - justice.
Diadem - tiara; rather, turban, head-dress х tsaaniyp (H6797)] (Umbreit). It, and the full flowing outer mantle or "robe," are the prominent characteristics of an Oriental's grandee or high priests dress (Zechariah 3:5). So Job's righteousness especially, characterized him.
Verse 15. Literally, the blind (Deuteronomy 27:18): lame (2 Samuel 9:13); figuratively, also the spiritual support which the more enlightened gives to those less so (Job 4:3; Hebrews 12:13; Numbers 10:31).
Verse 16. So far was I from "breaking the arms of the fatherless," as Eliphaz asserts (Job 22:9), I was a "father" to such.
The cause which I knew not - rather, of him whom I knew not, the stranger, (Proverbs 29:7; Umbreit; contrast Luke 18:1, etc.) Applicable to almsgiving (Psalms 41:1); but here, primarily, judicial conscientiousness (Job 31:13).
Verse 17. Image from combating with wild beasts (Job 4:11; Psalms 3:7). So compassionate was Job to the oppressed, so terrible to the oppressor!
Jaws - Job broke his power, so that be could do no more hurt, and tore from him the spoil which he had torn from others.