Job 20:24

He shall flee from the iron weapon, [and] the bow of steel shall strike him through.

He shall flee {H1272} from the iron {H1270} weapon {H5402}, and the bow {H7198} of steel {H5154} shall strike him through {H2498}.

If he flees from the weapon of iron, the bow of bronze will pierce him through

Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow will pierce him.

He shall flee from the iron weapon, And the bow of brass shall strike him through.

Commentary

Job 20:24 is part of Zophar the Naamathiteโ€™s second speech to Job, where he emphatically describes the swift and inescapable downfall of the wicked. In this verse, Zophar paints a vivid picture of a person attempting to flee one danger only to be met by an even more formidable one, symbolizing the certainty of divine retribution and the futility of escaping judgment.

Context

Zophar, like Job's other friends, operates under the traditional belief that suffering is always a direct consequence of sin. In Job chapter 20, he delivers a harsh condemnation of the wicked, asserting that their prosperity is fleeting and their end is destruction. This verse specifically highlights the futility of escaping judgment, suggesting that even if one avoids an immediate threat (the "iron weapon"), a more potent and unavoidable doom ("the bow of steel") awaits them. This perspective contrasts sharply with Job's own experience and his plea for understanding, as seen in Job 23:3, where he longs to present his case directly to God.

Key Themes

  • Inevitable Judgment: The primary theme is the certainty that the wicked will face severe consequences. Zophar believes no scheme or escape plan can ultimately avert God's justice.
  • Futility of Escape: The imagery emphasizes that attempts to flee one form of punishment will only lead to another, more decisive one. It illustrates a trap from which there is no exit, highlighting the inescapable retribution for unrighteousness.
  • Divine Retribution: From Zophar's perspective, this verse speaks to God's active involvement in punishing evil. He sees God as the ultimate enforcer of justice, ensuring that the wicked receive their due. This echoes sentiments found in other wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 11:5-6.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bow of steel" (KJV) is a translation of the Hebrew ืงืฉืช ื ื—ื•ืฉืช (qesheth nechushat), which more accurately means "bow of bronze." While "steel" conveys strength to modern readers, bronze was a highly valued and extremely strong metal in ancient times, far superior to iron for crafting a powerful, durable bow. A "bow of bronze" would signify a weapon of immense power and precision, suggesting an inescapable and devastating blow. This subtle linguistic nuance reinforces the idea of overwhelming and unavoidable judgment.

Practical Application

While Zophar's theology is ultimately revealed as flawed in the book of Job (as God rebukes the friends in Job 42:7), this verse still carries a powerful warning about the consequences of persistently choosing a path of wickedness. It reminds us that actions have consequences, and while God's patience is great, there is a point of accountability. It encourages reflection on one's own life choices and the long-term implications of living contrary to righteous principles. Ultimately, true security is found not in clever escape but in seeking righteousness and trusting in God's mercy and justice, as Job eventually learned through his suffering and restoration.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Amos 5:19

    As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

  • Isaiah 24:18

    And it shall come to pass, [that] he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.

  • 2 Samuel 22:35

    He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

  • Jeremiah 48:43

    Fear, and the pit, and the snare, [shall be] upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 48:44

    He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, [even] upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

  • 1 Kings 20:30

    But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and [there] a wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand of the men [that were] left. And Benhadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber.

  • Amos 9:1

    ยถ I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.
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