I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
I have ... great power - `in formidable power' х `aariyts (H6184)] (cf. Job 5:3).
Spreading ... green bay tree - rather, 'as a green (tree) that groweth in his own soil;' indigenous; one not yet transplated, and therefore flourishing with the vigour of its native soil х 'ezraach (H249)]. A native Israelite, with all the privileges, temporal and spiritual, of such; not a foreigner; yet all the while a wicked man. The possessions of an indigenous Israelite could not be alienated: he was free from oppression by usury; his children could not want, since the nearest relative was always bound to help them. Such a one seemed the farthest removed from ruin, guarded as he was with privileges.