PUT UP SECURITY: Lit, "to strike hands". To agree, to
vow to perform: Pro 17:18; 6:1; 11:15; 22:16. "It is interesting to note the
expression 'strike hands' in this connection. It suggests that without any
signature, the offering and acceptance of the hand would constitute a bond which
no one would repudiate. We may sometimes see in English cattle markets a custom
which is probably a survival of that to which the wise man refers. Two men will
be haggling over the price of a beast. Finally the vendor, having made a
concession, declares that he will take nothing less. He holds out his right
hand, stating the price, and perhaps with quite a dramatic indication of
finality. The buyer, with no show of enthusiasm, and without saying a word,
strikes the outstretched hand with his own palm and the sale is effected. Surely
a survival from three thousand years or more" (PrPr).
Job 17:5
Eliphaz and company should be at home teaching their families
-- for all the good they are doing for Job.