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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Job 18:5–10. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The rest of Bildad's discourse is entirely taken up in an elegant description of the miserable condition of a wicked man, in which there is a great deal of certain truth, and which will be of excellent use if duly considered - that a sinful condition is a sad condition, and that iniquity will be men's ruin if they do not repent of it. But it is not true that all wicked people are visibly and openly made thus miserable in this world; nor is it true that all who are brought into great distress and trouble in this world are therefore to be deemed and adjudged wicked men, when no other proof appears against them; and therefore, though Bildad thought the application of it to Job was easy, yet it was not safe nor just. In these verses we have,
I.The destruction of the wicked foreseen and foretold, under the similitude of darkness (Job 18:5, Job 18:6):
Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out. Even his light, the best and brightest part of him, shall be put out; even that which he rejoiced in shall fail him. Or the yea may refer to Job's complaints of the great distress he was in and the darkness he should shortly make his bed in. "Yea," says Bildad, "So it is; thou art clouded, and straitened, and made miserable, and no better could be expected; for the light of the wicked shall be put out, and therefore thine shall." Observe here,
1.The wicked may have some light for a while, some pleasure, some joy, some hope within, as well as wealth, and honour, and power without. But his light is but a spark (Job 18:5), a little thing and soon extinguished. It is but a candle (Job 18:6), wasting, and burning down, and easily blown out. It is not the light of the Lord (that is sun-light), but the light of his own fire and sparks of his own kindling, Isa 50:11.
2.His light will certainly be put out at length, quite put out, so that not the least spark of it shall remain with which to kindle another fire. Even while he is in his tabernacle, while he is in the body, which is the tabernacle of the soul (Co2 5:1), the light shall be dark; he shall have no true solid comfort, no joy that is satisfying, no hope that is supporting. Even the light that is in him is darkness; and how great is that darkness! But, when he is put out of this tabernacle by death, his candle shall be put out with him. The period of his life will be the final period of all his days and will turn all his hopes into endless despair. When a wicked man dies his expectation shall perish, Pro 11:7. He shall lie down in sorrow.
II.The preparatives for that destruction represented under the similitude of a beast or bird caught in a snare, or a malefactor arrested and taken into custody in order to his punishment, Job 18:7-10.
1.Satan is preparing for his destruction. He is the robber that shall prevail against him (Job 18:9); for, as he was a murderer, so he was a robber, from the beginning. He, as the tempter, lays snares for sinners in the way, wherever they go, and he shall prevail. If he make them sinful like himself, he will make them miserable like himself. He hunts for the precious life.
2.He is himself preparing for his own destruction by going on in sin, and so treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath. God gives him up, as he deserves and desires, to his own counsels, and then his own counsels cast him down, Job 18:7. His sinful projects and pursuits bring him into mischief. He is cast into a net by his own feet (Job 18:8), runs upon his own destruction, is snared in the work of his own hands (Psa 9:16); his own tongue falls upon him, Psa 64:8. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare.
3.God is preparing for his destruction. The sinner by his sin is preparing the fuel and then God by his wrath is preparing the fire. See here,
(1.)How the sinner is infatuated, to run himself into the snare; and whom God will destroy he infatuates.
(2.)How he is embarrassed: The steps of his strength, his mighty designs and efforts, shall be straitened, so that he shall not compass what he intended; and the more he strives to extricate himself the more will he be entangled. Evil men wax worse and worse.
(3.)How he is secured and kept from escaping the judgments of God that are in pursuit of him. The gin shall take him by the heel. He can no more escape the divine wrath that is in pursuit of him than a man, so held, can flee from the pursuer. God knows how to reserve the wicked for the day of judgment, Pe2 2:9.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
For every ungodly person has “a flame of his own fire” that he kindles in his heart from the heat of temporal desires, while he burns now with these, now with those lusts and fans his thoughts into a bigger flame by the diverse flatteries of the world. But if a fire has no flame, it does not shine by shedding any light. And so the flame of the fire is his outward beauty or power that comes from his burning within. What he anxiously desires to get, he very often wins, to the heaping up of his own ruin; and whether in the power of the loftiest pitch or in the wealth of multiplied increase, he, as it were, shines in external glory. But “the flame of his fire shall not shine,” in that in the day of his departure, all the fair outward show is removed, and he is consumed by his own burning within. And “so the flame” is removed from “the fire” when his exterior glory is separated from his interior burning.… Now it is well that it is not said of this lamp, “which is by him” but “which is above him,” in that earthly enjoyments possess the mind of the bad and so swallow it up in delight, that they are “above” it and not “by it.” But the righteous, even when they have the good fortune of the present life, are taught to force it to bow beneath them. That is, when they are made glad in themselves with good things, they may get above it by the counsel of a steadied mind and surmount it by the control of virtue. And so “the lamp” of the wicked person, “which is above him, is put out,” in that his joy is quickly brought to an end, a joy that possessed him wholly in this life; and the person who now wickedly lets himself out at large in pleasures is punished hereafter being closely encompassed round about in woe.
10. If we very frequently take darkness for sorrow, we ought without unfairness to take light for joy. And so ‘the light is dark in his tabernacle,’ in that in his conscience, which he inhabits in wickedness, the joy which he had from things temporal is brought to an end. Whence too it is fitly added;
And the candle that is over him shall be put out.
For to speak in language grounded on the usage of many, a ‘candle [lucerna]’ is a light in an earthen vessel, but a light in an earthen vessel, is delight in the flesh. And so ‘the candle that is over him is put out,’ in that when the recompensing of his wickednesses comes upon the ungodly man, carnal delight is brought to nought in his heart. Now it is well that it is not said of this candle, ‘which is by him,’ but ‘which is over him,’ in that earthly enjoyments possess the mind of the bad, and so swallow it up in delight, that they are ‘over’ it, and not ‘by’ it. But the righteous even when they have the good fortune of the present life, are taught to force it to bow beneath them, that this, viz. that they are made glad in themselves with good things, they may get above by the counsel of a steadied mind, and surmount by the control of virtue. And so ‘the candle’ of the wicked man, ‘which is over him, is put out,’ in that his joy is quickly brought to an end, which possessed him wholly in this life, and the man, who now wickedly lets himself out at large in pleasures, punishment hereafter closely encompasses round about in woe.
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Summary
Job 18:6, a pronouncement from Bildad the Shuhite, starkly depicts the inevitable and complete ruin awaiting the wicked. Employing vivid imagery of a dwelling losing its illumination and a lamp being extinguished, the verse asserts that the prosperity, vitality, and legacy of those who persist in unrighteousness will be utterly consumed. This statement reflects the rigid retribution theology held by Job's friends, who believed that suffering was always a direct consequence of sin, symbolizing a profound cessation of joy and existence.
Context
Literary Context
Job 18:6 is a potent declaration embedded within Bildad's second discourse to Job, found in Job chapter 18. This speech follows Job's fervent defense of his integrity and his desperate laments concerning God's seemingly unjust actions. Bildad, unwavering in his conviction, escalates his argument for divine retribution, systematically outlining the characteristics and ultimate demise of the wicked. His detailed portrayal of their grim fate is implicitly directed at Job, reinforcing the friends' unshakeable belief that suffering is a direct, proportionate consequence of sin. This verse, in particular, functions as a severe pronouncement of the wicked's total destruction, standing in stark contrast to the hope and vindication that Job earnestly sought, thereby intensifying the profound theological debate at the core of the book.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, societal understanding deeply linked prosperity, a flourishing household, and a continuing lineage with divine favor and righteousness. Conversely, suffering, barrenness, and the extinction of a family line were widely interpreted as clear indicators of divine judgment for sin. The term "tabernacle" (Hebrew: 'ohel) in this context refers not to the sacred Israelite sanctuary, but to a personal dwelling or tent, symbolizing one's home, family, and sphere of influence. A "candle" or "lamp" (Hebrew: ner) was an indispensable source of light in ancient homes, universally symbolizing life, hope, prosperity, and the continuity of a family name, as a lamp kept burning signified a living, active household. To have one's light or lamp extinguished was a profoundly ominous symbol of utter ruin, death, and the complete termination of one's lineage, leaving no heir or memory. Bildad's words thus resonate deeply with these ingrained cultural understandings of divine causality in human affairs.
Key Themes
This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Job. Foremost, it powerfully articulates the theme of retribution theology, which posits an inflexible, direct correlation between sin and suffering, and righteousness and prosperity. This forms the bedrock of Job's friends' argument, as they grapple to reconcile Job's immense suffering with his undeniable righteousness. The verse also profoundly highlights the problem of suffering, as Bildad's rigid application of this theology proves inadequate in explaining Job's unique predicament, where a righteous individual endures inexplicable pain. Furthermore, the symbolism of light and darkness is a pervasive motif, with light representing life, blessing, and divine presence, and darkness signifying judgment, death, and separation from God. Bildad masterfully employs this symbolism to depict the wicked's ultimate despair, a theme echoed throughout wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 4:19, which describes the wicked's path as "darkness." The broader narrative of Job ultimately challenges this simplistic worldview, revealing a more intricate understanding of divine sovereignty and justice, exemplified by Job's unwavering endurance through trials, even when God's ways remain inscrutable, as initially established in Job 1:22.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from the root אָהַל, this term refers to a tent or dwelling, often conspicuous from a distance. In Job 18:6, it symbolizes the wicked person's entire domestic sphere, encompassing their home, family, descendants, and all that constitutes their personal domain and legacy. The "tabernacle" becoming dark signifies the complete desolation and ruin of their household and all associated influence.
Stemming from אוֹר, "light" denotes illumination, a luminary, brightness, or even happiness. In this verse, "light" represents life, vitality, joy, prosperity, understanding, and divine favor. Its extinguishing signifies the cessation of all positive aspects in the wicked's life, plunging them into a state of utter desolation and spiritual darkness, devoid of hope.
Also appearing as נִר, נֵיר, or נֵר, and sometimes the feminine נֵרָה, this term refers to a lamp or light source, literally or figuratively. Symbolically, the "candle" represents the continuation of life, the presence of an heir, and the enduring legacy of a family name. To have one's "candle put out" is a potent idiom for the termination of life, the destruction of one's lineage, and the complete eradication of one's memory or influence.
A primitive root meaning "to be extinguished," "to expire," or "to be dried up." This verb conveys a profound sense of finality and completeness. When applied to a light or candle, it emphasizes that the source of illumination is not merely dimmed but utterly snuffed out, leaving no possibility of rekindling. In the context of a life, it implies total ruin, premature death, and the absolute end of one's existence and legacy.
Verse Breakdown
"The light shall be dark in his tabernacle"
This clause vividly portrays a dramatic reversal of fortune and a descent into desolation. The "light," which symbolizes prosperity, joy, life, and well-being, that once illuminated the wicked person's "tabernacle" (their home, family, and entire sphere of influence), will be consumed by "darkness." This signifies the absolute cessation of all that brings vitality and happiness. It implies a profound spiritual and existential void, where all blessings are withdrawn, and the very essence of their life becomes devoid of hope, purpose, or goodness.
"and his candle shall be put out with him"
This second clause functions as a powerful reinforcement and intensification of the first through synonymous parallelism. The "candle," symbolizing the continuity of life, the legacy, and the hope for future generations belonging to the wicked person, will be "put out" or utterly extinguished. The emphatic phrase "with him" underscores that this destruction is deeply personal and comprehensive, impacting not only his current state but also his future prospects and his very memory. It points to ultimate ruin, often implying an ignominious or premature death, and the complete termination of his lineage, leaving no one to carry on his name or perpetuate his light.
Literary Devices
Job 18:6 is richly imbued with Symbolism, primarily through the stark contrast of "light" and "darkness." Light serves as a multifaceted symbol for life, prosperity, divine favor, and the continuation of a legacy, while darkness unequivocally represents ruin, judgment, despair, and the cessation of existence. The "tabernacle" itself is symbolic of the wicked person's entire domestic sphere, their household, and their sphere of influence. The "candle" further symbolizes the individual's life force, their personal vitality, and the continuity of their lineage. The verse also employs Metaphor, as abstract concepts like prosperity and life are directly equated with light, and ruin and death with darkness, creating a powerful sensory image. Furthermore, the verse exhibits strong Synonymous Parallelism, where the second clause ("and his candle shall be put out with him") reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first clause ("The light shall be dark in his tabernacle"), utilizing distinct but related imagery to convey the singular message of complete and utter destruction for the wicked.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Although Bildad's application of this principle to Job is ultimately revealed as flawed by the overarching narrative of the Book of Job, the verse itself articulates a fundamental biblical truth: unrepentant wickedness inevitably leads to ruin. It powerfully reflects the principle of sowing and reaping, where actions bear consequences, and a life lived in defiance of God's ways ultimately culminates in spiritual and often tangible darkness. However, the book's larger message serves to challenge the simplistic, mechanistic view of divine justice presented by Job's friends, demonstrating that God's ways are far more complex and His sovereignty extends beyond human understanding of direct cause and effect. Nevertheless, the imagery of light being extinguished serves as a potent and timeless warning against the path of unrighteousness, emphasizing that true and lasting light, vitality, and hope emanate solely from God.
Reflection and Application
Job 18:6, despite its origin in a context of incomplete theology, conveys a profound spiritual warning that resonates deeply with believers today. It serves as a stark reminder that a life constructed upon unrighteousness, self-interest, or rebellion against God's revealed truth, regardless of its temporary outward prosperity, is inherently unsustainable. The "light" of such a life—its fleeting joy, superficial peace, misguided purpose, and fragile legacy—is intrinsically ephemeral and ultimately destined for darkness. True and enduring light, authentic vitality, and unwavering hope are not generated by human effort or worldly success but emanate solely from the eternal, uncreated light of God Himself. This verse compels us to critically examine the source of our own "light" and to prayerfully consider the ultimate trajectory of our lives. Are we building our existence upon a foundation that can withstand the extinguishing forces of sin and divine judgment, or are we clinging to a transient, self-made glow that will inevitably be snuffed out? Our choices today profoundly determine the nature and longevity of our "light" tomorrow.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse mean that all suffering is a direct result of personal sin?
Not necessarily. While Bildad and Job's other friends vehemently advocated for this simplistic retribution theology, the overarching narrative of the Book of Job ultimately disproves its universal application. Job himself was a righteous man who endured immense suffering, not due to personal sin, but as part of a profound divine test and a demonstration of God's sovereign purposes. While the Bible certainly teaches that sin has consequences (e.g., Galatians 6:7), Job 18:6 reflects a limited human understanding of God's complex and multifaceted ways. It serves as a general warning about the ultimate, spiritual fate of unrepentant wickedness, but it should not be applied mechanistically to every instance of human suffering. The book teaches us that God's justice and purposes are often far beyond our comprehension, and suffering can serve various divine purposes beyond mere punishment.
What is the significance of "light" and "darkness" in this verse and the Bible generally?
In Job 18:6, "light" profoundly symbolizes life, prosperity, joy, and the continuation of a legacy, while "darkness" represents ruin, despair, judgment, and the cessation of existence. This symbolism is pervasive and foundational throughout the entire biblical narrative. Light is consistently associated with God's presence, truth, righteousness, divine revelation, and salvation (e.g., Psalm 112:4 or John 1:5). Darkness, conversely, represents sin, spiritual ignorance, evil, divine judgment, and spiritual death (e.g., John 3:19). This profound contrast highlights the dramatic and ultimate reversal of fortune and destiny for those who choose a path apart from God, where their self-generated "light" is inevitably extinguished, leaving only spiritual darkness and eternal separation.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Job 18:6 poignantly describes the extinguishing of the wicked's light, the ultimate and glorious fulfillment of the profound biblical theme of light and darkness is found preeminently in Jesus Christ. Humanity, having fallen into the profound darkness of sin and spiritual death, had its "candle put out" in a spiritual sense, alienated from the life-giving, illuminating presence of God. Yet, the ancient prophetic promise of a great light dawning on those who walked in the deepest darkness (Isaiah 9:2) finds its complete and perfect realization in the person and work of Jesus. He Himself declared, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Unlike the fleeting, self-generated "light" of the wicked that is inevitably extinguished, Christ's light is eternal, unquenchable, and sovereign over all darkness (John 1:5). He came specifically to deliver us from the "domain of darkness" and miraculously transfer us into "the kingdom of his beloved Son" (Colossians 1:13). Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection, He decisively extinguished the power of sin and death, offering true, eternal, and lasting light to all who believe in Him, thereby ensuring that their "tabernacle"—their very being and eternal dwelling—will never again be dark, but will forever shine with the radiant glory of God (Revelation 21:23).