Job 15:21

KJV

A dreadful sound [is] in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

A dreadful {H6343} sound {H6963} is in his ears {H241}: in prosperity {H7965} the destroyer {H7703} shall come {H935} upon him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Terrifying sounds are in his ears; in prosperity, robbers swoop down on him.

Berean Standard Bible

Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him.

American Standard Version

A sound of terrors is in his ears; In prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 15:21, spoken by Eliphaz the Temanite, asserts that even in the midst of apparent success, the wicked person is perpetually tormented by an internal dread, a "dreadful sound" of impending doom. This verse encapsulates Eliphaz's rigid theology of retribution, positing that material prosperity is ultimately fleeting for the unrighteous, as an inescapable "destroyer" will inevitably bring calamity and judgment upon them, often at the height of their perceived security. This declaration serves to underscore the insecurity of those who live apart from God, contrasting their outward flourishing with an inner turmoil and the certainty of divine accountability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 15:21 is a pivotal statement within Eliphaz's second discourse (Job 15:1-35), marking a significant escalation in the friends' accusations against Job. Having previously suggested Job's suffering was a result of hidden sin (Job 4-5), Eliphaz now becomes more direct and accusatory, portraying the wicked in terms that subtly but pointedly align with Job's current circumstances. This speech follows Job's lament in [Job 14](/job/14 "Job 14 - Job's Lament and Hope for Renewal"), where he expresses despair and questions God's justice. Eliphaz's words in this chapter are designed to dismantle Job's claims of innocence by painting a vivid, almost universal, picture of the wicked person's downfall, thereby implying Job's guilt. The verse fits into a broader section (Job 15:20-35) where Eliphaz details the miserable fate of the wicked, arguing that their lives are marked by fear, trouble, and eventual destruction, regardless of temporary prosperity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, a cultural milieu where a direct correlation between righteousness and prosperity, and wickedness and suffering, was a prevalent belief. This "retribution theology" was a common framework for understanding divine justice, often articulated in wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom and Instruction")). Within this worldview, outward success was frequently interpreted as a sign of divine favor, while misfortune was seen as evidence of sin. Eliphaz, a representative of this traditional wisdom, draws upon common observations and theological assumptions of his time. The concept of a "destroyer" also resonates with ancient Near Eastern ideas of divine agents of judgment or the personification of calamity, often seen as instruments of divine wrath. The geographical setting, likely Uz (Job 1:1), places the narrative outside of Israel, suggesting a universal rather than exclusively Israelite wisdom tradition.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Firstly, it highlights **The Insecurity of the Wicked**, emphasizing that true peace is not found in material wealth but in a right relationship with God. The "dreadful sound" points to an internal, psychological torment that belies outward appearances. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Inevitable Judgment**, asserting that divine justice will ultimately prevail, and the wicked cannot escape their deserved punishment indefinitely, even if they prosper for a time. This aligns with broader biblical teachings that "the wicked shall not go unpunished" (as seen in [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - The Certainty of Judgment")). Thirdly, and most critically for the book's message, Eliphaz's statement exemplifies **Flawed Human Wisdom**. While there is an element of truth in the general principle that wickedness leads to ruin, its rigid application to Job's unique situation demonstrates the limitations and dangers of simplistic theological frameworks that fail to account for the complexities of suffering and God's sovereign purposes (as explored in [Job 38-42](/job/38 "Job 38-42 - God's Speeches and Job's Restoration")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dreadful Sound (Hebrew, _qol pekhadim'_):** This phrase literally translates to "voice of terrors" or "sound of fears." It is not an audible noise but a powerful metaphor for an internal, psychological state of profound anxiety, guilt, and constant apprehension. It conveys the idea that the wicked person, despite outward prosperity, lives under a perpetual shadow of dread, haunted by their conscience and the anticipation of impending doom. This inner torment prevents true peace and security.
* **Prosperity (Hebrew, _shalom'_):** While often translated as "peace," _shalom_ here refers to a state of well-being, security, and material flourishing. Eliphaz emphasizes that even when the wicked seem to be at their peak, enjoying _shalom_, their downfall is imminent. This highlights the deceptive nature of worldly success when it is not grounded in righteousness, suggesting that such "peace" is superficial and temporary.
* **Destroyer (Hebrew, _shoded'_):** Derived from the root _shadad_, meaning "to devastate," "to lay waste," or "to plunder," this term signifies a violent, overwhelming force that brings ruin. It can refer to a human oppressor, a natural calamity, or even a divine agent of judgment. In this context, it represents the inevitable, destructive consequence that will befall the wicked, underscoring the severity and certainty of their ultimate demise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A dreadful sound [is] in his ears":** This clause vividly portrays the internal state of the wicked. The "dreadful sound" is a metaphor for an omnipresent, tormenting fear or a guilty conscience that constantly whispers warnings of judgment. It suggests that the wicked person, even when outwardly calm or successful, is inwardly agitated and lacks true peace, always anticipating the consequences of their actions or the instability of their ill-gotten gains. This is a psychological reality that precedes and accompanies their eventual downfall.
* **"in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him":** This second clause declares the inevitability of divine retribution. The phrase "in prosperity" is crucial, emphasizing the sudden and unexpected nature of the judgment. It suggests that the "destroyer"—a force of ruin, calamity, or divine judgment—will strike precisely when the wicked feel most secure and successful. This highlights the transient nature of unrighteous prosperity and the certainty that divine justice will ultimately interrupt and dismantle their apparent well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Eliphaz's statement in Job 15:21 employs several potent literary devices. **Metaphor** is central to "a dreadful sound [is] in his ears," which is not a literal sound but a vivid representation of internal psychological torment and a guilty conscience. This use of a sensory image to describe an abstract emotional state creates a powerful impression of the wicked person's perpetual anxiety. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Eliphaz predicts the inevitable doom of the wicked, a fate he implies awaits Job. The statement also contains **Irony**, particularly in the context of the entire book of Job. While Eliphaz intends his words to apply to Job, the reader knows that Job's suffering is not due to wickedness, making Eliphaz's confident assertion ironically misplaced. Furthermore, the phrase "in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him" utilizes **Juxtaposition**, placing the peak of success ("prosperity") directly alongside the moment of ruin ("the destroyer shall come"), thereby emphasizing the sudden and unexpected nature of divine judgment and the ephemeral quality of unrighteous gain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 15:21, though misapplied by Eliphaz to Job, reflects a foundational biblical truth about the ultimate fate of the wicked and the nature of true security. It underscores the principle that outward prosperity does not equate to inner peace or lasting security when one lives in defiance of God. The "dreadful sound" speaks to the internal unrest that accompanies a life estranged from righteousness, a spiritual dis-ease that can manifest as anxiety, guilt, or a constant fear of exposure and judgment. This internal turmoil is a precursor to the "destroyer," which represents the inevitable consequences of sin, whether through natural calamity, human agency, or direct divine intervention. The verse serves as a warning that temporary success is no guarantee against ultimate accountability, affirming God's justice in a world where the wicked sometimes appear to flourish.

* [Proverbs 28:1](/proverbs/28-1 "Proverbs 28:1 - The Wicked Flee When No One Pursues")
* [Psalm 73:18-19](/psalms/73-18 "Psalm 73:18-19 - The Slippery Path of the Wicked")
* [Romans 2:8-9](/romans/2-8 "Romans 2:8-9 - Wrath and Indignation for Those Who Obey Unrighteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 15:21 offers a profound challenge to our modern sensibilities, which often equate success with happiness and security. It reminds us that true peace is not found in the accumulation of wealth or status, but in a right relationship with God. The "dreadful sound" is a powerful metaphor for the internal anxieties and spiritual emptiness that can plague even the most outwardly successful individuals who live without regard for divine principles. This verse calls us to examine the foundations of our own security: are we building on the fleeting sands of material gain, or on the solid rock of God's faithfulness? It encourages us to seek a peace that transcends circumstances, one rooted in a clear conscience and trust in God, rather than in the absence of external threat. For those who are tempted to envy the apparent prosperity of the unrighteous, this verse serves as a sober reminder that such flourishing is often superficial and temporary, ultimately leading to a "destroyer" that will dismantle their false sense of security. Our ultimate hope and peace are found not in avoiding trouble, but in walking with God through it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dreadful sounds" or inner anxieties might plague someone who appears outwardly successful but lacks a right relationship with God?**
* **How does our culture often define "prosperity," and how does this verse challenge that definition?**
* **In what ways might the "destroyer" manifest in the lives of those who disregard God's ways, even if not in the dramatic manner Job experienced?**
* **How can believers cultivate a sense of peace and security that is not dependent on external circumstances, but on their relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Is Eliphaz's statement in Job 15:21 always true for everyone who experiences suffering?**

Answer: No, not in the simplistic way Eliphaz applies it. While the verse contains a general truth about the ultimate insecurity and judgment awaiting the wicked, the book of Job as a whole profoundly challenges the rigid retribution theology that Eliphaz and the other friends espouse. Job's suffering is explicitly shown to be *not* a result of his sin (Job 1:8, 2:3), but part of a divine test and a deeper purpose beyond human comprehension. The book demonstrates that righteous people can suffer, and the wicked can sometimes prosper for extended periods (e.g., [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Problem of Evil and the Prosperity of the Wicked")). Eliphaz's error lies in his dogmatic application of a general principle to a specific, complex situation, failing to account for God's mysterious ways and the existence of suffering for purposes other than direct punishment for sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Eliphaz's words in Job 15:21 are a flawed human attempt to explain suffering, they inadvertently point to a deeper truth that finds its ultimate resolution in Christ. The "dreadful sound" of inner torment and the coming of the "destroyer" speak to the universal human condition under the dominion of sin and death. Humanity, separated from God, lives in a state of spiritual anxiety, anticipating the ultimate consequence of sin, which is death and judgment (as seen in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). The "destroyer" is ultimately conquered not by human effort or righteousness, but by the Lamb of God. Jesus Christ, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, disarmed the spiritual powers that held humanity captive (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) and delivered those who were "held in slavery by their fear of death" (as noted in [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Incarnation and Victory Over Death")). In Christ, the "dreadful sound" of condemnation is silenced by the "peace that surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) and the "destroyer" of sin and death is defeated, replaced by the promise of eternal life and true, unshakeable prosperity in God's presence ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 18:11

¶ Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Leviticus 26:36

And upon them that are left [alive] of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.

1 Corinthians 10:10

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

Revelation 9:11

And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon.

Job 20:5

That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?

Job 20:7

[Yet] he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where [is] he?