Job 30:4

Mallows. The word thus translated is generally thought to describe a plant having small, thick, sour-tasting leaves. This plant was edible, but not desirable for food.

Juniper roots. The word rendered “juniper” occurs only here and in 1 Kings 19:4, 5 and Ps. 120:4. It is probably a species of broom plant that grows in the Jordan valley and in Arabia. It is not to be confused with the modern juniper. Bedouins often camp in a place where it grows, in order to be sheltered by it from the wind and sun. It would be used for food only by those who were reduced to the utmost penury. This is the “juniper” under which Elijah sought rest when he was fleeing from the wrath of Jezebel.