Job 20:15

Commentary on Job 20:15 (KJV)

Job 20:15 is a powerful and vivid statement delivered by Zophar the Naamathite, one of Job's three friends. This verse is part of Zophar's second speech, where he vehemently argues for the swift and certain punishment of the wicked, directly implying that Job's suffering is a consequence of hidden sin.

Context

In the book of Job, the protagonist, Job, endures immense suffering and loss, yet maintains his innocence and integrity before God. His friends, however, operate under the traditional belief system that prosperity is a sign of righteousness and suffering is a direct result of sin. Zophar, known for his harsh and uncompromising stance, uses this verse to describe the inevitable downfall of the wicked, no matter how much they seem to prosper initially. He contends that any wealth or success gained through unrighteousness is fleeting and will ultimately be taken away by divine judgment. This aligns with Bildad's similar arguments about the hope of the hypocrite, emphasizing that the wicked's perceived success is ultimately fragile.

Key Themes

• Divine Retribution for Ill-Gotten Gains: The central message is that wealth acquired unjustly or greedily will not endure. The imagery of "swallowing down riches" speaks to the covetous accumulation of wealth, often at the expense of others or through unethical means.
• God's Inevitable Justice: The phrases "he shall vomit them up again" and "God shall cast them out of his belly" powerfully illustrate that the wicked will be forced to relinquish their ill-gotten gains. This is not a natural consequence but a direct, forceful act of divine intervention, emphasizing God's active role in ensuring justice.
• The Transience of Wicked Prosperity: Zophar's argument highlights that the apparent success of the wicked is temporary. What is grasped with greed will be lost with shame and divine judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used create a very visceral image. "Swallowed down" (בלע, bala') suggests a greedy, ravenous consumption, like an animal devouring its prey. "Vomit" (קוא, qayah) conveys a violent, involuntary expulsion, a reversal of the act of consumption. The final phrase, "God shall cast them out of his belly," uses the Hebrew word (ירה, yarah), meaning to throw or cast. This reinforces the idea that God Himself is actively involved in dispossessing the wicked, ensuring that their ill-gotten wealth provides no lasting benefit or security.

Practical Application

While Zophar's application of this principle to Job was flawed and insensitive, the underlying truth about the consequences of greed and injustice remains relevant. This verse serves as a potent reminder that:

• Material possessions gained through unrighteousness bring no lasting peace or security. True prosperity is not merely accumulation but includes integrity and divine blessing.
• God is ultimately sovereign over wealth and possessions. He has the power to give and to take away, especially when wealth is abused or acquired through exploitation. This echoes the sentiment found in Jeremiah 17:11, which speaks of wealth gained unjustly, stating that it will be lost before one's days are complete.
• There is a divine reckoning. Even if justice seems delayed, the Bible assures us that God sees all and will ultimately bring every deed into judgment. This should encourage believers to pursue righteousness and discourage those tempted by dishonest gain.

Job 20:15 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that while the wicked may temporarily flourish, their prosperity is built on a foundation of sand, destined to be overturned by God's righteous judgment.