Job 18:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 18:15, spoken by Bildad the Shuhite, delivers a stark and chilling prophecy regarding the fate of the wicked: utter desolation and irreversible dispossession. This verse serves as a grim declaration that those estranged from God will experience a complete loss of their security, legacy, and established place, with their very dwelling becoming alien territory. The vivid imagery of brimstone scattered upon their habitation underscores a severe, pervasive, and divine judgment that consumes all they possess, reinforcing Bildad's rigid conviction that Job's profound suffering is a direct and deserved consequence of unconfessed sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 18:15 is situated within Bildad's second speech, found in [Job 18](/job/18 "Job 18 - Bildad's Second Speech"). This address is a direct and increasingly harsh response to Job's impassioned lament and continued assertions of innocence in [Job 16-17](/job/16 "Job 16-17 - Job's Lament and Plea"). Bildad, growing impatient with Job's refusal to confess, intensifies his argument by systematically detailing the comprehensive calamities that inevitably befall the wicked. He describes their entrapment by snares (verses 8-10), the terror that seizes them (verse 11), and the destruction of their family and posterity (verse 19). Verse 15 specifically focuses on the ultimate ruin of the wicked man's home and established life, serving as a powerful climax to his description of divine retribution, emphasizing the complete and irreversible nature of the judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Bildad, like Job's other friends, operates from the prevailing ancient Near Eastern (ANE) wisdom tradition, which largely espoused a strict retribution theology. This worldview held that righteousness invariably leads to prosperity and well-being, while wickedness inevitably results in suffering, destruction, and societal disgrace. In this cultural milieu, the "tabernacle" (tent or home) and "habitation" (settled dwelling) were far more than mere physical structures; they were profound symbols of one's identity, security, family legacy, social standing, and established place within the community. To lose one's dwelling was tantamount to losing everything—one's very existence and memory in the land. The mention of "brimstone" immediately evokes the catastrophic divine judgment upon [Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - God Rains Fire and Brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah"), a universally recognized symbol of complete, fiery, and irreversible destruction by divine wrath. This allusion renders Bildad's threat particularly potent and terrifying to his audience, grounding his theological assertions in a well-known historical precedent of divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several central themes within the book of Job, even as the book ultimately critiques the friends' rigid application of these themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, as Bildad firmly believes that God justly punishes the wicked with utter ruin and dispossession. The vivid imagery emphasizes the **Dispossession and Desolation** that awaits the unrighteous, highlighting the complete loss of home, security, and legacy. It underscores the **Fleeting Nature of Wicked Prosperity**, asserting that any success or stability enjoyed by the wicked is illusory and will ultimately be stripped away. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary, as seen in [Psalm 73:18-20](/psalm/73-18-20 "Psalm 73:18-20 - The Prosperity of the Wicked is Fleeting"). Crucially, this verse is a pivotal part of the **Theological Debate in Job**, representing the friends' rigid and ultimately flawed understanding of God's justice, which the broader narrative of Job ultimately critiques by demonstrating the reality of righteous suffering and the profound complexity of divine providence, as evidenced in God's later speeches in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches to Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwell (Hebrew, _shâkan'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to reside or permanently stay," this word denotes a settled, continuous presence. When applied to something hostile or alien, as implied here, it suggests an unwelcome and enduring occupation. The implication is that what takes over the wicked man's dwelling will not merely pass through but will establish a permanent, destructive presence.
* **none (Hebrew, _bᵉlîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "failure" or "destruction," this word signifies "nothing" or "without." In the phrase "because it is none of his," it indicates a complete forfeiture of ownership or claim. The wicked man has lost all right to his dwelling; it no longer belongs to him, making way for its occupation by judgment or desolation.
* **brimstone (Hebrew, _gophrîyth'_):** This term refers to sulfur, a highly flammable mineral. In biblical literature, "brimstone" is almost exclusively associated with divine judgment and fiery destruction, most notably in the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. Its use here signifies a supernatural, pervasive, and irreversible act of divine wrath, implying a consuming fire that leaves nothing but desolation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because [it is] none of his":** The pronoun "it" is deliberately ambiguous, lending an ominous, almost personified quality to the invading force. This "it" could refer to terror, calamity, a curse, or even a demonic presence, but its essence is that something hostile and alien will permanently occupy the wicked man's home. The phrase "because [it is] none of his" is critical; it signifies a forfeiture of ownership, a legal or spiritual dispossession that renders the wicked man utterly without claim. Judgment, desolation, or an unwelcome presence takes permanent residence, transforming his place of security into a hostile, alien territory.
* **"brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation":** This clause describes the method and scope of the destruction. "Brimstone" signifies divine, fiery judgment, often associated with supernatural intervention. The verb "scattered" suggests a widespread, pervasive, and inescapable destruction, raining down from above, implying a supernatural origin and comprehensive reach. This is not a localized fire but a total annihilation that leaves nothing intact. The "habitation," representing the very foundation and security of the wicked man's life, is utterly obliterated, leaving behind a barren wasteland.

#### Literary Devices
Job 18:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify Bildad's message of impending doom. The most prominent is **Imagery**, which creates vivid mental pictures of desolation and destruction: an unseen, hostile force occupying a once-secure home, and fiery brimstone raining down from the sky. This powerful visual language is designed to evoke fear and underscore the severity of the wicked's fate. **Symbolism** is also heavily employed; the "tabernacle" and "habitation" symbolize not just physical dwellings but the entirety of a person's life, security, legacy, and established existence. "Brimstone" powerfully symbolizes divine wrath, purification, and complete destruction, drawing on established biblical precedents like the obliteration of Sodom and Gomorrah. The use of the ambiguous "it" for the invading force can be seen as a form of **Personification** or **Prosopopoeia**, giving an abstract concept (terror, judgment) an active, dwelling presence that actively displaces the wicked. Finally, there is an inherent **Allusion** to the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah through the mention of "brimstone," immediately linking the wicked's fate to one of the most catastrophic examples of divine wrath in biblical history, thereby enhancing the sense of ultimate and irreversible ruin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 18:15 is a potent articulation of the ancient Near Eastern retribution theology, which posits a direct and immediate correlation between sin and suffering. While the book of Job ultimately challenges this simplistic worldview by demonstrating the reality of righteous suffering, Bildad's words here reflect a deep-seated belief in God's perfect justice and His unwavering commitment to upholding moral order. The imagery of dispossession and fiery destruction underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation and His capacity to judge wickedness decisively. It serves as a stark reminder that earthly security is conditional and inherently fleeting, especially when built on unrighteousness, and that true permanence and security rest solely in God. This verse, though part of a flawed argument within the narrative, highlights the biblical truth that a life lived in rebellion against God will ultimately face His just and consuming judgment.

* [Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - God Rains Fire and Brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah")
* [Psalm 11:6](/psalm/11-6 "Psalm 11:6 - Snares, Fire, Brimstone, and Horrible Tempest for the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 10:25](/proverbs/10-25 "Proverbs 10:25 - The Wicked Are Swept Away, The Righteous Stand Firm")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Bildad's specific application of this theology to Job's suffering was ultimately shown to be incorrect, the underlying principle of God's justice and the impermanence of earthly security for those who reject Him remains a profound and enduring truth. This verse challenges us to critically examine the foundations upon which we are building our lives. Are we investing our primary energies and affections in transient material possessions, worldly achievements, and fleeting securities, or are we seeking an eternal inheritance and building on the unshakable foundation of God's truth? The stark imagery of a home being taken over by an alien force and consumed by divine judgment should prompt deep self-reflection on our spiritual state, our priorities, and our ultimate allegiances. It serves as a powerful reminder that true and lasting security is found not in our dwellings, our wealth, or our accomplishments, but solely in our relationship with God. It calls us to live lives that honor Him, understanding that only what is built upon His righteous principles will endure the inevitable fires of judgment and the tests of time, leading to a secure and eternal "habitation" in His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What foundations am I building my life upon, and how secure are they in light of God's ultimate judgment and sovereignty?**
* **How does the imagery of "brimstone" and dispossession challenge my assumptions about earthly security and the nature of divine justice?**
* **In what ways might I be clinging to "tabernacles" or "habitations"—whether material or conceptual—that are not truly "mine" in an eternal sense, and what does this verse prompt me to re-evaluate?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God always punishes sin with immediate, visible destruction?**

Answer: No, the book of Job as a whole serves as a profound theological exploration that challenges simplistic retribution theology. While Job 18:15 reflects Bildad's belief in a direct, immediate, and visible consequence for wickedness, the narrative arc of Job ultimately demonstrates that suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin, nor is prosperity always a sign of righteousness. God's justice is perfect and inevitable, but His timing, methods, and purposes are often far more complex and beyond human comprehension. This verse is part of a human attempt to explain divine action, an attempt which is later critiqued and corrected by God Himself in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job Out of the Whirlwind") and subsequent chapters, revealing a wisdom far beyond human understanding.

**What is the significance of "brimstone" in biblical imagery?**

Answer: "Brimstone," or sulfur, is a potent and consistently used symbol of divine judgment and utter destruction in the Bible. Its most famous appearance is in the account of God's judgment upon [Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - God Rains Fire and Brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah"), where it falls from the sky, signifying a supernatural, purifying, and annihilating fire. This imagery is consistently employed to convey the finality, severity, and comprehensive nature of God's wrath against sin, often pointing to complete desolation and an irreversible end. Beyond Job, it is found in prophetic warnings and descriptions of final judgment, such as in [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - Tormented with Fire and Brimstone") and [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Second Death in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone"), underscoring its enduring symbolic power as a representation of God's righteous and consuming judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 18:15 speaks of the destruction and dispossession awaiting the wicked, a Christ-centered perspective profoundly reorients our understanding of "habitation" and "judgment." In Christ, the ultimate "tabernacle" is not a physical dwelling but the very person of Jesus, in whom God dwells among us, as described in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh - Jesus' Incarnation"). He is the true and eternal dwelling place for believers, offering a security and permanence that no earthly "habitation" could ever provide. The "brimstone" of divine judgment, which the wicked justly face, was fully poured out upon Christ on the cross. He bore the full wrath of God for sin, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")), thereby satisfying the demands of divine justice. For those who are "in Christ" through faith, the judgment and desolation described by Bildad are averted. Instead of dispossession and ruin, we receive an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable and Undefiled")). Our true "habitation" is in Him, and through His sacrifice, we are not dispossessed but eternally adopted into God's family, dwelling securely in Him forever, becoming part of God's own spiritual house built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints and Members of God's Household")).

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

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

¶ 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].