Job 15:28

KJV

And he dwelleth in desolate cities, [and] in houses which no man inhabiteth, which are ready to become heaps.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he dwelleth {H7931} in desolate {H3582} cities {H5892}, and in houses {H1004} which no man inhabiteth {H3427}, which are ready {H6257} to become heaps {H1530}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he lives in abandoned cities, in houses no one would inhabit, houses about to become ruins;

Berean Standard Bible

he will dwell in ruined cities, in abandoned houses destined to become rubble.

American Standard Version

And he hath dwelt in desolate cities, In houses which no man inhabited, Which were ready to become heaps;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 15:28, spoken by Eliphaz the Temanite, vividly describes the grim fate of the wicked man, portraying him as dwelling in places of utter ruin and desolation. This imagery, of inhabiting "desolate cities" and "houses which no man inhabiteth, which are ready to become heaps," serves as a potent metaphor for complete downfall and abandonment. Within Eliphaz's flawed theological framework, this verse underscores his conviction that Job's suffering is a direct consequence of hidden sin, reflecting a rigid, retributive view of divine justice that the book of Job ultimately challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 15:28 is situated within Eliphaz's second discourse (Job 15:1-35), a response to Job's impassioned lamentations and assertions of innocence in Job 13-14. Following Eliphaz's initial, somewhat gentler, counsel in [Job 4-5](/job/4 "Job 4-5 - Eliphaz's First Discourse"), his tone here is markedly harsher and more accusatory. He reiterates the conventional wisdom that suffering is a direct result of sin, painting a detailed and terrifying picture of the wicked man's life and inevitable end. From [Job 15:20](/job/15-20 "Job 15:20 - The Wicked Man's Torment") onwards, Eliphaz describes the wicked as tormented, fearful, and ultimately destroyed, their prosperity fleeting. Verse 28 contributes to this grim portrait by depicting the wicked man's ultimate dwelling place as one of utter abandonment and decay, symbolizing his complete downfall and rejection by God and society. This serves as a direct, albeit misguided, indictment of Job, implying that his current state is precisely this prophesied desolation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of retributive justice, where righteousness leads to prosperity and wickedness to suffering, was a dominant paradigm in the ancient Near East, particularly within the wisdom traditions. This worldview, often reflected in texts like [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom and Instruction"), provided a seemingly straightforward explanation for the complexities of life. "Desolate cities" and "heaps of ruins" were not abstract concepts but tangible realities in a region frequently ravaged by warfare, conquest, and natural disasters. A city reduced to "heaps" (גַּלִּים, *gallim*) was a common and powerful symbol of utter destruction and divine judgment, often associated with the curses for covenant disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Eliphaz, speaking from this traditional perspective, uses such imagery to evoke the most profound sense of ruin and abandonment, a fate he believes is justly meted out to those who defy God.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within Eliphaz's discourse and the broader book of Job. The most prominent is the **Consequences of Wickedness**, as Eliphaz vividly portrays the severe and desolate end that he believes awaits those who defy God. The "desolate cities" and "houses which no man inhabiteth" are powerful metaphors for ruin, isolation, and divine abandonment, reinforcing Eliphaz's rigid theology. This leads to the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where Eliphaz interprets such desolation as a direct, visible act of God's wrath against the wicked, thereby strengthening his argument that Job's suffering must be a consequence of hidden sin. Furthermore, the imagery of structures "ready to become heaps" underscores the **Transience of Earthly Power and Possessions**, implying that any worldly achievements or material gains of the wicked are ultimately ephemeral and will inevitably lead to a state of complete collapse and oblivion, a stark contrast to the enduring nature of true righteousness as understood by the sages.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwelleth (Hebrew, יִשְׁכֹּן, _yishkon_):** Derived from the root שָׁכַן (*shakan*), meaning "to settle down, abide, dwell." While often used neutrally, or even positively in contexts of God dwelling among His people (e.g., [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among Israel")), here it takes on a sinister, ironic tone. The wicked man's "dwelling" is not one of security or comfort but of forced, desolate habitation, emphasizing the permanence of his ruin.
* **desolate (Hebrew, נִדְחָה, _nidchah_):** This is a feminine singular participle from the root דָּחָה (*dachah*), meaning "to push, thrust away, drive out." When applied to cities, it suggests not merely uninhabited places but those that have been actively rejected, abandoned, or driven out, often due to divine judgment, conquest, or plague. It carries a stronger connotation of rejection and ruin than simply "empty."
* **heaps (Hebrew, גַּלִּים, _gallim_):** The plural of גַּל (*gal*), meaning "heap, mound, pile." In biblical usage, this term frequently refers to mounds of ruins, rubble, or stones, typically signifying a place that has been utterly destroyed, often as a result of divine judgment or military devastation (e.g., [Isaiah 25:2](/isaiah/25-2 "Isaiah 25:2 - City Made a Heap")). The phrase "ready to become heaps" powerfully conveys an impending, irreversible state of complete collapse and oblivion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he dwelleth in desolate cities":** This clause sets the scene for the wicked man's ultimate fate. The active verb "dwelleth" (יִשְׁכֹּן, *yishkon*) ironically suggests a permanent residence, but the object "desolate cities" (עָרִים נִדְחָה, *‘arim nidchah*) immediately subverts any notion of comfort or security. These are not merely empty cities, but ones that have been "driven out" or abandoned, signifying a profound state of rejection and ruin, perhaps even a place where no one *can* dwell due to its cursed nature.
* **"and in houses which no man inhabiteth":** This phrase intensifies the imagery of desolation and abandonment. It moves from the broader "cities" to specific "houses," emphasizing the utter lack of human presence and life. The repetition of the theme of uninhabited spaces reinforces the idea of isolation and utter social and spiritual rejection, a stark contrast to the communal and familial life valued in ancient societies.
* **"which are ready to become heaps":** This final clause provides a powerful climax to Eliphaz's description. The houses are not merely empty but are on the verge of complete collapse, transforming into mounds of rubble. This signifies not just abandonment but utter, irreversible destruction. It speaks to the futility and impermanence of any worldly achievements or possessions of the wicked, suggesting that their legacy will be one of ruin and oblivion.

#### Literary Devices
Eliphaz employs several potent literary devices in Job 15:28 to paint his grim picture. The most prominent is **Imagery**, which is highly visual and evocative. He uses concrete images of "desolate cities," "houses which no man inhabiteth," and "heaps" to create a vivid mental picture of utter ruin and abandonment. This imagery is deeply tied to **Symbolism**, where these physical ruins symbolize the spiritual, social, and existential desolation that Eliphaz believes awaits the wicked. The uninhabited houses and cities are not just literal places but represent a life devoid of blessing, community, or lasting legacy. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the use of "dwelleth," as the wicked man's "dwelling" is not a place of rest or security but of ultimate judgment and decay. This ironic twist highlights the perversion of what should be a fundamental human need for shelter and belonging.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While Eliphaz's application of this principle to Job was profoundly misguided and failed to grasp the deeper complexities of God's purposes in suffering, the verse nevertheless taps into a general biblical truth about the ultimate futility of a life lived in persistent rebellion against God. The imagery of desolation and ruin reflects a common prophetic motif for divine judgment upon wickedness and pride, where human attempts at building lasting legacies apart from God inevitably crumble. The true and lasting dwelling is not found in earthly structures, which are subject to decay and destruction, but in relationship with the eternal God. Eliphaz's error lies not in the existence of judgment for the wicked, but in his simplistic and rigid correlation of present suffering with specific sin, failing to account for divine sovereignty, testing, or the mystery of God's ways.

* [Psalm 37:35-36](/psalms/37-35 "Psalm 37:35-36 - The Wicked Vanish")
* [Proverbs 10:27](/proverbs/10-27 "Proverbs 10:27 - The Fear of the Lord Prolongs Life")
* [Matthew 7:26-27](/matthew/7-26 "Matthew 7:26-27 - The Foolish Builder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 15:28, despite its origin in Eliphaz's flawed theology, serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of all earthly things and the ultimate consequences of a life lived without regard for God. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust and build our lives. If our security, identity, and hope are rooted solely in material possessions, worldly power, or human achievements, then like the "houses ready to become heaps," they are vulnerable to collapse and desolation. True security and lasting inheritance are found not in what we accumulate or build on earth, but in a steadfast relationship with God, who alone is eternal and unchanging. The book of Job as a whole, and this verse in particular, compels us to cultivate a deeper understanding of suffering, justice, and divine sovereignty, moving beyond simplistic cause-and-effect explanations to embrace the profound mystery and wisdom of God's ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "cities" or "houses" are you currently placing your ultimate hope and security? Are they susceptible to becoming "heaps"?**
* **How does the book of Job challenge our tendency to attribute suffering solely to sin, and what does this mean for how we view ourselves and others?**
* **What does it mean to build a life that is not "ready to become heaps," but stands firm in the face of life's inevitable challenges and ultimate end?**

### FAQ
**Was Eliphaz entirely wrong in his assessment of the wicked?**

Answer: Eliphaz was not entirely wrong in his general statement that wickedness can lead to ruin and that God judges sin. The Bible, in many places, affirms that there are consequences for unrighteous living (e.g., [Proverbs 13:21](/proverbs/13-21 "Proverbs 13:21 - Evil Pursues Sinners")). His error lay in his rigid and simplistic application of this principle to Job's specific situation, assuming that Job's suffering *must* be a direct result of hidden sin. He failed to comprehend the complexity of divine purposes, the possibility of suffering for testing, purification, or even for God's glory, as revealed later in the book of Job and in the New Testament (e.g., [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1 "John 9:1-3 - Blind Man Born So God's Works Might Be Displayed")). Eliphaz's theology was too narrow and deterministic, lacking the nuance and compassion required to understand God's multifaceted relationship with humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 15:28, though spoken by a flawed human, points to a profound truth about the ultimate fate of those who reject God, a truth fully unveiled in Christ. The "desolate cities" and "houses ready to become heaps" symbolize the spiritual desolation and eternal ruin that is the destiny of all who remain outside of God's grace. However, Jesus Christ, the ultimate righteous one, did not "dwell in desolate cities" but willingly entered into the desolation of human sin and death. He became the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), enduring the ultimate abandonment on the cross so that those who believe in Him might never experience eternal desolation. Through His resurrection, Christ conquered death and decay, offering a "living hope" ([1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - A Living Hope")) and an "inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). He is the foundation upon which we can build a life that will not become "heaps" ([Matthew 7:24-25](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-25 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")), promising a future in "a new heaven and a new earth" ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heaven and New Earth")) where there is no more desolation, but only the dwelling of God with His people.

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 3:14

With kings and counsellors of the earth, which built desolate places for themselves;

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Jeremiah 51:37

And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant.

Job 18:15

It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because [it is] none of his: brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.

Jeremiah 26:18

Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Zion shall be plowed [like] a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.

Isaiah 5:8

¶ Woe unto them that join house to house, [that] lay field to field, till [there be] no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!

Isaiah 5:10

Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.