Job 21:17

Context

Job 21:17 is a pivotal part of Job's third discourse, where he directly challenges the rigid theological framework of his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Throughout their dialogues, the friends have consistently argued that suffering is a direct consequence of sin, implying Job's great affliction must be due to some hidden wickedness. Job, however, observes that the world does not always operate according to their simplistic formula. In this verse, Job uses rhetorical questions to highlight the uncomfortable truth that the wicked often prosper and live long, undisturbed lives, contrary to his friends' assertion that their "candle" (symbolizing life and prosperity) is swiftly put out, and destruction immediately befalls them. This challenges the prevailing wisdom of immediate retribution and underscores the mystery of God's timing and justice.

Key Themes

• The Prosperity of the Wicked: Job’s questions, "How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and [how oft] cometh their destruction upon them!", are a direct counter-argument to the friends' theology. He points out the empirical reality that evil individuals frequently thrive and are not met with immediate, visible judgment. This theme is a central tension throughout the Book of Job, challenging simplistic notions of divine justice on earth.
• Divine Justice and Timing: The verse highlights the complexity of God's justice. While Job acknowledges that God "distributeth sorrows in his anger," he questions the immediacy and consistency with which this anger is manifested against all wicked individuals. This raises profound questions about why God permits evil to flourish, a struggle echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as when Asaph grapples with the prosperity of the wicked in Psalm 73.
• Challenging Simplistic Theology: Job's rhetorical style ("How oft...?") serves as a powerful refutation of his friends' rigid, cause-and-effect understanding of sin and suffering. He insists that reality is far more nuanced and mysterious than their black-and-white worldview.

Linguistic Insights

The term "candle" (Hebrew: נֵר, ner) in this context refers to a lamp or light, which is a common biblical metaphor for life, prosperity, well-being, and the continuation of a family line. To have one's "candle put out" signifies the cessation of life or prosperity, ruin, or the end of a lineage. Job's question, therefore, asks, "How often is the life/prosperity of the wicked truly extinguished quickly?" The implication is, "Not as often as you claim." The word "[God]" in the KJV text is italicized because it was supplied by the translators for clarity; the original Hebrew literally says "He distributeth sorrows in His anger," referring to God.

Practical Application

Job 21:17 offers a crucial perspective for believers today: God's justice operates on His own timetable, which often does not align with our human expectations or desires for immediate retribution. This verse challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and not to equate immediate prosperity with divine favor, nor immediate suffering with divine wrath. It encourages patience and a deep trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and justice, even when the circumstances of life seem to contradict our understanding of how things "should" be. It reminds us that while God's judgment may be delayed, it is certain, and His ways are indeed higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).