Job 20:9

Context

Job 20:9 is a pronouncement made by Zophar the Naamathite, one of Job's three friends, during his second speech (Job 20:1-29). Zophar, like his companions, firmly believes in the traditional retribution theology: that God directly punishes the wicked and blesses the righteous in this life. In this speech, Zophar passionately argues that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and their downfall is swift and absolute. His words here are meant to convince Job that his suffering is a direct result of his sin, implying Job is wicked, a perspective challenged throughout the book of Job, particularly by God's own testimony of Job's blamelessness.

Key Themes

• The Transient Nature of Wicked Prosperity: Zophar asserts that any success or prominence achieved by the wicked is short-lived. They may rise quickly, but their fall is even faster, leaving no lasting impact or legacy.
• Utter Disappearance and Oblivion: The verse powerfully describes the complete vanishing of the wicked. "The eye... shall see him no more" and "his place any more behold him" convey a profound sense of absolute erasure from memory and presence. This implies a complete loss of status, influence, and even physical presence, as if they never existed.
• Divine Judgment and Accountability: Underlying Zophar's speech is the conviction that God's justice will ultimately prevail, ensuring the wicked face their deserved end. While Job's friends misapply this truth to Job's situation, the general principle of divine accountability is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in passages like Psalm 37:10, which states the wicked will soon be no more.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version uses "behold him" for the Hebrew word shûr (שׁוּר), which means to look, gaze, or perceive. The repetition of "no more" (Hebrew: ‛ôd, עוֹד) strongly emphasizes the finality of the wicked person's disappearance. The phrase "his place any more behold him" is a poetic personification, suggesting that even the very location or environment where the wicked once thrived will no longer acknowledge their presence, highlighting their complete removal and forgotten status.

Significance and Application

While Zophar's application of this principle to Job was flawed – as Job was righteous and his suffering not a direct punishment for specific sins – the verse still carries profound truths about the ultimate fate of those who persist in wickedness. It serves as a stark reminder that:

• Earthly success is temporary: Any power, wealth, or influence gained through unrighteousness is not enduring. What seems like prosperity for the wicked is ultimately fleeting.
• God's justice is sure: Though it may appear delayed, God will ultimately bring all things to account. This truth offers comfort to the oppressed and serves as a solemn warning to those who choose a path of injustice and evil.
• The importance of a righteous legacy: Unlike the wicked, whose memory often perishes or becomes a byword, the righteous are often remembered for their good deeds and faith. Proverbs 10:7 states, "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot."