Job 15:34

For the congregation of hypocrites [shall be] desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.

For the congregation {H5712} of hypocrites {H2611} shall be desolate {H1565}, and fire {H784} shall consume {H398} the tabernacles {H168} of bribery {H7810}.

"For the community of the ungodly is sterile; fire consumes the tents of bribery.

For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of bribery.

For the company of the godless shall be barren, And fire shall consume the tents of bribery.

Commentary

Commentary on Job 15:34 (KJV)

Job 15:34 is part of Eliphaz the Temanite's second discourse to Job, where he continues to argue for the traditional view that suffering is a direct result of sin. This verse serves as a pronouncement of judgment against the wicked, specifically those characterized by hypocrisy and corruption.

Context

In Job chapter 15, Eliphaz responds to Job's impassioned pleas for divine justice and his assertion of innocence. Eliphaz, speaking from a position of conventional wisdom, suggests that Job's suffering must stem from some hidden iniquity. He paints a grim picture of the fate of the wicked, implicitly accusing Job of being among them. Eliphaz's arguments, while containing elements of truth about God's justice, misapply them to Job's unique situation, failing to grasp the deeper spiritual battle at play. This verse encapsulates his belief that pretense and ill-gotten gains inevitably lead to ruin.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment on Hypocrisy: The verse powerfully declares God's opposition to those who feign righteousness while harboring corruption. The "congregation of hypocrites" refers to a community or assembly of individuals who act deceptively, presenting an outward appearance of piety or integrity that belies their true character. Their ultimate end is desolation, highlighting God's abhorrence of insincerity.
  • Consequences of Corruption and Bribery: The phrase "tabernacles of bribery" speaks to homes, possessions, or even entire lives built upon dishonest practices, particularly through the perversion of justice or illicit gain. The consumption by "fire" signifies the destructive and purifying judgment of God upon such foundations, emphasizing that ill-gotten wealth and dishonest dealings do not provide lasting security. This resonates with the broader biblical principle that riches profit not in the day of wrath.
  • Justice and Accountability: Eliphaz's statement, though misdirected at Job, underscores a fundamental biblical truth: there are consequences for moral corruption and spiritual deceit. While divine justice may not always be immediate or evident in human terms, the ultimate outcome for those who persist in wickedness is ruin.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Hypocrites" (ื—ึธื ึตืฃ, chanef): This Hebrew term is often translated as "godless," "profane," or "impious." It describes someone who is morally corrupt and defiled, often with a connotation of outward show without inner reality. It suggests a person who is estranged from God and practices deceit.
  • "Desolate" (ื™ึถืึฑื–ึธื‘, ye'ezav): From a root meaning "to abandon" or "to forsake." It implies being left empty, ruined, or laid waste, indicating a complete and utter destruction or abandonment.
  • "Tabernacles" (ืึนื”ึถืœ, ohel): Literally "tent" or "dwelling." This word emphasizes the temporary or transient nature of earthly possessions and dwellings, especially those acquired through illicit means. Such "tents" are not built to last.
  • "Bribery" (ืฉึนืื—ึทื“, shochad): Refers to a gift or bribe, often given to pervert justice or gain an unfair advantage. It points to dishonest and corrupt practices.

Practical Application

Job 15:34 offers timeless warnings for believers today:

  1. Authenticity Over Pretense: The verse challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure our faith is genuine, not merely an outward display. God desires truth in the inward parts, and true spiritual well-being comes from sincerity before Him. This aligns with Christ's later teachings against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, as seen in Matthew 23:27.
  2. Integrity in All Dealings: It serves as a stern warning against seeking gain through dishonest means, such as bribery, corruption, or exploitation. Any success built on such foundations is inherently unstable and will ultimately lead to ruin. We are called to pursue righteousness and justice in all our dealings.
  3. God's Ultimate Justice: While Eliphaz misapplied this truth to Job, the principle stands: God is just, and He will ultimately bring accountability for all actions. We can trust that those who build their lives on deceit and corruption will face the consequences, and nothing gained through unrighteousness will endure.
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Cross-References

  • Job 8:13

    So [are] the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish:

  • Job 8:22

    They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.

  • Job 27:8

    For what [is] the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?

  • Micah 7:2

    The good [man] is perished out of the earth: and [there is] none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

  • Job 20:1

    ยถ Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

  • Job 36:13

    But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.

  • Job 29:12

    Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and [him that had] none to help him.