with my eyes
The eyes are often seen as the gateway to the soul, and in biblical literature, they symbolize perception and desire. By making a covenant with his eyes, Job is acknowledging the power of visual stimuli to influence thoughts and actions. This phrase underscores the importance of guarding one's senses against temptation. In a broader scriptural context, it aligns with teachings that emphasize vigilance over what one allows to enter their heart and mind, as seen in passages like Matthew 6:22-23, where the eye is described as the lamp of the body.

How then could I gaze
The word "gaze" implies more than a casual glance; it suggests a prolonged and intentional look. In Hebrew, the verb often used for such a look is "נָבַט" (nabat), which can mean to look intently or with consideration. Job's rhetorical question highlights his commitment to purity, suggesting that his covenant with his eyes prevents him from engaging in lustful or inappropriate contemplation. This reflects a proactive approach to avoiding sin, emphasizing the need for self-discipline and conscious effort in maintaining moral integrity.

with desire
Desire, in this context, refers to lustful or covetous longing. The Hebrew word often associated with such desire is "תַּאֲוָה" (ta'avah), which can denote a strong craving or yearning, often for something forbidden. Job's statement reveals his understanding of the dangers of unchecked desire, which can lead to sin. This aligns with biblical teachings that warn against the deceitfulness of lust and the importance of controlling one's passions, as seen in James 1:14-15, where desire is described as leading to sin and death if not restrained.

at a virgin
The term "virgin" in Hebrew is "בְּתוּלָה" (betulah), referring to a young woman of marriageable age who is presumed to be pure and chaste. In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, a virgin held a special status, often associated with innocence and potential for marriage. Job's mention of a virgin underscores the gravity of his commitment to purity, as it was considered particularly dishonorable to covet someone who was not one's spouse. This reflects a broader biblical ethic that values chastity and fidelity, as seen in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles regarding sexual purity and respect for others.

(1) I made a covenant with mine eyes.--Job makes one grand profession of innocence, rehearsing his manner of life from the first; and here he does not content himself with traversing the accusations of his friends, but professes his innocence also of sins less manifest to the observance of others, and affecting the secret conduct and the heart--namely, sensual transgression and idolatry. His object, therefore, is to show his friends that he has really been more upright than their standard demanded or than they supposed him to be, till his affliction made them suspect him; and this uprightness was the consequence of rigid and inflexible adherence to principle, for he made a covenant with his eyes, as the avenues of sinful desires. (Comp. Matthew 5:28.)