Job 15:26

KJV

He runneth upon him, [even] on [his] neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers:

KJV (with Strong's)

He runneth {H7323} upon him, even on his neck {H6677}, upon the thick {H5672} bosses {H1354} of his bucklers {H4043}:

Complete Jewish Bible

running against him with head held high and thickly ornamented shield.

Berean Standard Bible

rushing headlong at Him with a thick, studded shield.

American Standard Version

He runneth upon him with astiffneck, With the thick bosses of his bucklers;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 15:26 presents a stark and vivid image from Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job's friends, depicting the wicked person's audacious and defiant rebellion against God. In his second discourse, Eliphaz continues to accuse Job of profound wickedness, asserting that Job's suffering is a direct consequence of his sin. This verse dramatically portrays the wicked as an arrogant warrior who, in a display of ultimate presumption, charges headlong and recklessly against the Almighty, even striking at the strongest, most protected part of God's metaphorical shield.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Eliphaz's second speech to Job, found in [Job 15](/job/15 "Job 15 - Eliphaz's Second Speech"). Following Job's lament in [Job 14](/job/14 "Job 14 - Job's Lament and Despair"), Eliphaz responds with renewed accusations, asserting that Job's words are empty and his piety is lacking. Eliphaz's argument is rooted in the traditional retribution theology prevalent among Job's friends: God always punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous. Therefore, in their flawed logic, Job's immense suffering must indicate profound, hidden sin. Specifically, [Job 15:25](/job/15-25 "Job 15:25 - The Wicked Defy God") states, "For he stretch out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty." Verse 26 then elaborates on this defiant posture, using powerful military imagery to describe the wicked person's audacious, direct, and seemingly suicidal charge against God Himself. This imagery serves to underscore the extreme nature of the sin Eliphaz attributes to the wicked, and by extension, implicitly to Job.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of warfare, shields, and direct combat was deeply ingrained in the ancient Near Eastern (ANE) worldview. Shields, particularly those with bosses (a central, often reinforced protrusion), were essential defensive armaments. To "run upon" an enemy's neck or charge directly at the strongest part of their shield was either an act of incredible bravery or suicidal folly, depending on the context. In the ANE, kings and deities were often depicted with powerful, protective attributes, and challenging such a figure directly was considered the height of rebellion and foolishness. The theological framework of divine retribution, where prosperity signified divine favor and suffering indicated divine displeasure, was a common, though not universally applied, belief system. Eliphaz's speech reflects this conventional wisdom, which Job's experience is actively challenging throughout the book.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme highlighted in [Job 15:26](/job/15-26 "Job 15:26 - The Wicked's Defiant Charge") is the **audacious and reckless defiance of the wicked against God**. The imagery of a headlong charge against the Almighty symbolizes a complete disregard for divine authority and an extreme form of spiritual rebellion. This defiance stems from profound **spiritual arrogance and presumption**, where the wicked are portrayed as so filled with pride that they dare to challenge the Creator directly. This theme serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of such pride, echoing sentiments found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). While Eliphaz uses this imagery to accuse Job, the broader narrative of Job ultimately critiques this simplistic view of suffering, yet the intrinsic truth about the futility and danger of human rebellion against God remains a significant theological point within the book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"runneth upon" (Hebrew, _yārûṣ_):** The verb יָרוּץ (yārûṣ) means "to run," "to rush," or "to charge." In this context, it denotes a swift, aggressive, and direct movement. It paints a picture of a headlong, impetuous assault, emphasizing the reckless and unthinking nature of the wicked person's defiance. It's not a subtle act of disobedience but a brazen, frontal attack.
* **"on his neck" (Hebrew, _bəṣawwāʾrô_):** The phrase בְּצַוָּאר (bəṣawwāʾrô) literally means "on his neck." This can convey several nuances: a direct, unyielding charge (like a bull lowering its head to charge), or it can be idiomatic for stubbornness and resistance, as in the concept of being "stiff-necked" (e.g., [Exodus 32:9](/exodus/32-9 "Exodus 32:9 - A Stiff-Necked People")). Here, it most powerfully suggests a direct, aggressive, and perhaps even suicidal assault, where the wicked person throws themselves headfirst into conflict with God.
* **"thick bosses of his bucklers" (Hebrew, _ḥōmeš gabbōt_):** This phrase refers to the central, protruding, and often reinforced part of a shield (a "boss" or "umbo," from גַּבֹּת, _gabbōt_, meaning "backs" or "bosses"). The term חֹמֶשׁ (ḥōmeš) can mean "fifth part" or "strength/thickness." To run upon the "thick bosses" means to directly attack the strongest, most impenetrable part of the enemy's defense. This amplifies the audacity and sheer folly of the wicked person's defiance, as a rational warrior would seek a weaker point, not the most protected. It underscores the extreme nature of the rebellion Eliphaz describes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He runneth upon him,"**: This clause immediately establishes the active, aggressive posture of the wicked. The "he" refers to the wicked person Eliphaz has been describing, and "him" refers to God, the Almighty. It signifies a direct, confrontational movement, not merely passive resistance or hidden sin, but an overt act of hostility.
* **"even on his neck,"**: This intensifies the imagery of the charge. It suggests a headlong, perhaps even reckless, assault where the wicked person throws themselves forward, exposing themselves fully in their defiance. It conveys an unyielding stubbornness and a direct, unmediated confrontation with God's authority.
* **"upon the thick bosses of his bucklers:"**: This final phrase completes the powerful military metaphor. It specifies the target of the wicked person's charge: the most robust and fortified part of God's metaphorical defensive armor. This demonstrates the ultimate degree of the wicked's audacity and foolishness, as they do not merely defy God but attempt to assault Him at His point of greatest strength, implying a futile and self-destructive endeavor.

#### Literary Devices
Job 15:26 is rich in **Imagery**, drawing heavily on the language of ancient warfare to depict spiritual rebellion. The verse paints a vivid picture of a warrior (the wicked person) charging headlong into battle against an armed opponent (God). This imagery creates a powerful sense of confrontation and the extreme nature of the defiance. The entire verse functions as a **Metaphor**, where the physical act of a warrior attacking an enemy's shield serves as a symbolic representation of a person's spiritual rebellion and audacious challenge to divine authority. God is implicitly portrayed as a warrior equipped with protective "bucklers" or shields, highlighting His invincibility. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in Eliphaz's description. While human beings can certainly defy God, the idea of "running upon" God's "neck" or "thick bosses" is an exaggeration designed to emphasize the extreme folly and perceived suicidal nature of such rebellion, underscoring Eliphaz's condemnation of Job and his perceived wickedness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While Eliphaz's application of this imagery to Job was ultimately proven false and simplistic by God Himself ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Eliphaz's Friends")), the underlying theological truth conveyed by the verse remains profound. It speaks to the universal human propensity for pride and rebellion against divine authority. The "running upon" God signifies an active, aggressive defiance that refuses to acknowledge God's sovereignty, wisdom, or power. It is the epitome of spiritual arrogance, believing oneself capable of contending with the Almighty. This verse serves as a stark warning against such presumption, reminding humanity of its finite nature in the face of an infinite God.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Psalm 2:2-4](/psalms/2-2 "Psalm 2:2-4 - The Nations Rage Against God")
* [Romans 9:20](/romans/9-20 "Romans 9:20 - Who Are You to Argue with God?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Though Eliphaz misapplied this powerful imagery to Job, the principle it conveys about the nature of human rebellion against God is eternally relevant. Job 15:26 reminds us that spiritual defiance is not a passive state but an active, aggressive posture that ultimately leads to self-destruction. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any areas where we might be "running upon" God—whether through outright disobedience, stubborn refusal to submit to His will, or arrogant presumption about our own wisdom. Instead of confronting God, we are called to humble ourselves before Him, recognizing His infinite wisdom and sovereign power. True wisdom lies not in challenging the Almighty, but in fearing Him and walking in His ways, trusting in His goodness even when His purposes are beyond our comprehension. This verse serves as a powerful call to humility, submission, and a reverent awe of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, consciously or unconsciously, be "running upon" God in my own life?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of humility and submission to divine authority?**
* **What are the practical implications of recognizing God's absolute sovereignty in the face of human rebellion?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 15:26 mean that all suffering is a direct result of defiance against God?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While Eliphaz and Job's other friends believed in a strict retribution theology—that suffering is always a direct punishment for specific sin or defiance—the book of Job as a whole ultimately refutes this simplistic view. God Himself rebukes Eliphaz and his friends for not speaking what is right about Him ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Eliphaz's Friends")). Job's suffering was not due to his defiance but was part of a divine test. However, the imagery in [Job 15:26](/job/15-26 "Job 15:26 - The Wicked's Defiant Charge") still powerfully illustrates the *nature* of true rebellion against God, which indeed carries severe consequences. It describes the folly and arrogance of such a posture, irrespective of whether it applies to Job's specific situation. The verse highlights that defiance against God is a real and dangerous spiritual state, even if not every instance of suffering is a direct result of it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 15:26, though spoken by Eliphaz to condemn Job, perfectly illustrates the antithesis of Christ's character and mission, while simultaneously highlighting the very rebellion that Christ came to overcome. The verse describes humanity's arrogant charge against God, a headlong rush into defiance against the Almighty's strength. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ perfectly embodied submission and obedience. He did not "run upon" God's neck or challenge His authority; rather, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, Christ bore the full brunt of humanity's defiance. The "thick bosses of His bucklers" that the wicked assault can be seen as a foreshadowing of the divine wrath and justice that Christ absorbed on the cross. He, the sinless Lamb of God, became sin for us, taking upon Himself the consequences of our rebellion, so that we might be reconciled to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, while the verse depicts humanity's futile and self-destructive rebellion, Christ offers the ultimate path to peace and reconciliation, perfectly submitting to God and shielding us from the just consequences of our own defiant hearts.

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

2 Chronicles 32:13

Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the people of [other] lands? were the gods of the nations of those lands any ways able to deliver their lands out of mine hand?

2 Chronicles 32:17

He wrote also letters to rail on the LORD God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of [other] lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand.

Genesis 49:8

¶ Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

Job 16:12

I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken [me] by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.

Psalms 18:40

Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.

2 Chronicles 28:22

And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this [is that] king Ahaz.