Job 18:15

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

It shall dwell {H7931} in his tabernacle {H168}, because it is none {H1097} of his: brimstone {H1614} shall be scattered {H2219} upon his habitation {H5116}.

"What isn't his at all will live in his tent; sulfur will be scattered on his home.

Fire resides in his tent; burning sulfur rains down on his dwelling.

There shall dwell in his tent that which is none of his: Brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.

Commentary

Job 18:15 is part of Bildad the Shuhite's second speech, where he continues to argue that the wicked inevitably face severe consequences and ultimate destruction. This verse vividly describes the desolation that he believes befalls those who are estranged from God, contrasting sharply with Job's pleas of innocence and righteous suffering.

Context

Bildad, one of Job's three friends, adheres to the conventional wisdom of his time: prosperity is a sign of righteousness, and suffering is a direct result of sin. In this chapter, he paints a grim picture of the wicked man's fate, attempting to persuade Job that his calamities are due to his unconfessed transgressions. The "tabernacle" and "habitation" refer to the wicked person's home and established dwelling, symbolizing their entire life, family, and possessions. Bildad's argument is that even their home will be taken from them and utterly destroyed, becoming "none of his."

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Dispossession: The phrase "It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because [it is] none of his" suggests an invading force or a curse that takes over and lays claim to what was once the wicked man's property. This signifies a complete loss of ownership and control, highlighting the temporary nature of earthly possessions for those who live wickedly.
  • Utter Desolation: The scattering of "brimstone" upon his habitation is a powerful image of total destruction and divine wrath. Brimstone (sulfur) is famously associated with the catastrophic judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24, symbolizing a purifying and annihilating fire from heaven. This implies a supernaturally inflicted ruin that leaves nothing behind.
  • Fleeting Prosperity: For Bildad, this verse underscores his belief that any success or stability enjoyed by the wicked is illusory and will ultimately be stripped away, leaving only ruin.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "tabernacle" (ΚΌohel) typically refers to a tent or dwelling, emphasizing a place of residence. "Habitation" (naweh) further solidifies the concept of a home or dwelling place. The term "brimstone" (gophrith) is significant for its association with divine judgment and fiery destruction throughout the Old Testament, evoking a sense of ultimate, irreversible devastation.

Practical Application

While Bildad's theology in Job is ultimately shown to be an oversimplification of God's ways (as Job's suffering was not due to sin), this verse still carries a profound truth about the ultimate consequences of wickedness. It reminds us that earthly security and possessions are fleeting, especially when not built upon a righteous foundation. The imagery of brimstone serves as a stark reminder of God's justice and the inevitable desolation that awaits those who persistently reject Him. It encourages believers to build their lives on eternal truths rather than temporary worldly gains, understanding that true security comes from God, not from material possessions or earthly dwellings, as highlighted in Jesus' teaching on building on the rock.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 11:6

    Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the portion of their cup.

  • Deuteronomy 29:23

    [And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

  • Isaiah 34:9

    ΒΆ And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.

  • Isaiah 34:10

    It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

  • Jeremiah 22:13

    Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;

  • Revelation 21:8

    But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

  • Job 20:18

    That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow [it] down: according to [his] substance [shall] the restitution [be], and he shall not rejoice [therein].