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Commentary on Job 21 verses 17–26
Job had largely described the prosperity of wicked people; now, in these verses,
I. He opposes this to what his friends had maintained concerning their certain ruin in this life. "Tell me how often do you see the candle of the wicked put out? Do you not as often see it burnt down to the socket, until it goes out of itself? Job 21:17. How often do you see their destruction come upon them, or God distributing sorrows in his anger among them? Do you not as often see their mirth and prosperity continuing to the last?" Perhaps there are as many instances of notorious sinners ending their days in pomp as ending them in misery, which observation is sufficient to invalidate their arguments against Job and to show that no certain judgment can be made of men's character by their outward condition.
II. He reconciles this to the holiness and justice of God. Though wicked people prosper thus all their days, yet we are not therefore to think that God will let their wickedness always go unpunished. No, 1. Even while they prosper thus they are as stubble and chaff before the stormy wind, Job 21:18. They are light and worthless, and of no account either with God or with wise and good men. They are fitted to destruction, and continually lie exposed to it, and in the height of their pomp and power there is but a step between them and ruin. 2. Though they spend all their days in wealth God is laying up their iniquity for their children (Job 21:19), and he will visit it upon their posterity when they are gone. The oppressor lays up his goods for his children, to make them gentlemen, but God lays up his iniquity for them, to make them beggars. He keeps an exact account of the fathers' sins, seals them up among his treasures (Deu 32:34), and will justly punish the children, while the riches, to which the curse cleaves, are found as assets in their hands. 3. Though they prosper in this world, yet they shall be reckoned with in another world. God rewards him according to his deeds at last (Job 21:19), though the sentence passed against his evil works be not executed speedily. Perhaps he may not now be made to fear the wrath to come, but he may flatter himself with hopes that he shall have peace though he go on; but he shall be made to feel it in the day of the revelation of the righteous judgment of God. He shall know it (Job 21:20): His eyes shall see his destruction which he would not be persuaded to believe. They will not see, but they shall see, Isa 26:11. The eyes that have been wilfully shut against the grace of God shall be opened to see his destruction. He shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty; that shall be the portion of his cup. Compare Psa 11:6 with Rev 14:10. The misery of damned sinners is here set forth in a few words, but very terrible ones. They lie under the wrath of an Almighty God, who, in their destruction, both shows his wrath and makes known his power; and, if this will be his condition in the other world, what good will his prosperity in this world do him? What pleasure has he in his house after him? Job 21:21. Our Saviour has let us know how little pleasure the rich man in hell had in his house after him, when the remembrance of the good things he had received in his life-time would not cool his tongue, but added much to his misery, as did also the sorrow he was in lest his five brethren, whom he left in his house after him, should follow him to that place of torment, Luk 16:25-28. So little will the gain of the world profit him that has lost his soul.
III. He resolves this difference which Providence makes between one wicked man and another into the wisdom and sovereignty of God (Job 21:22): Shall any pretend to teach God knowledge? Dare we arraign God's proceedings or blame his conduct? Shall we take upon us to tell God how he should govern the world, what sinner he should spare and whom he should punish? He has both authority and ability to judge those that are high. Angels in heaven, princes and magistrates on earth, are accountable to God, and must receive their doom from him. He manages them, and makes what use he pleases of them. Shall he then be accountable to us, or receive advice from us? He is the Judge of all the earth, and therefore no doubt he will do right (Gen 18:25, Rom 3:6), and those proceedings of his providence which seem to contradict one another he can make, not only mutually to agree, but jointly to serve his own purposes. The little difference there is between one wicked man's dying so in pain and misery, when both will at last meet in hell, he illustrates by the little difference there is between one man's dying suddenly and another's dying slowly, when they will both meet shortly in the grave. So vast is the disproportion between time and eternity that, if hell be the lot of every sinner at last, it makes little difference if one goes singing thither and another sighing. See,
1.How various the circumstances of people's dying are. There is one way into the world, we say, but many out; yet, as some are born by quick and easy labour, others by that which is hard and lingering, so dying is to some much more terrible than to others; and, since the death of the body is the birth of the soul into another world, death-bed agonies may not unfitly be compared to child-bed throes. Observe the difference. (1.) One dies suddenly, in his full strength, not weakened by age or sickness (Job 21:23), being wholly at ease and quiet, under no apprehension at all of the approach of death, nor in any fear of it; but, on the contrary, because his breasts are full of milk and his bones moistened with marrow (Job 21:24), that is, he is healthful and vigorous, and of a good constitution (like a milch cow that is fat and in good liking), he counts upon nothing but to live many years in mirth and pleasure. Thus fair does he bid for life, and yet he is cut off in a moment by the stroke of death. Note, It is a common thing for persons to be taken away by death when they are in their full strength, in the highest degree of health, when they least expect death, and think themselves best armed against it, and are ready not only to set death at a distance, but to set it at defiance. Let us therefore never be secure; for we have known many well and dead in the same week, the same day, the same hour, nay, perhaps, the same minute. Let us therefore be always ready. (2.) Another dies slowly, and with a great deal of previous pain and misery (Job 21:25), in the betterness of his soul, such as poor Job was himself now in, and never eats with pleasure, has no appetite to his food nor any relish of it, through sickness, or age, or sorrow of mind. What great reason have those to be thankful that are in health and always eat with pleasure! And what little reason have those to complain who sometimes do not eat thus, when they hear of many that never do!
2.How undiscernible this difference is in the grave. As rich and poor, so healthful and unhealthful, meet there (Job 21:26): They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them, and feed sweetly on them. Thus, if one wicked man die in a palace and another in a dungeon, they will meet in the congregation of the dead and damned, and the worm that dies not, and the fire that is not quenched, will be the same to them, which makes those differences inconsiderable and not worth perplexing ourselves about.
In order to refute the argument of [his friends], who wanted to refer everything to [their concept] of divine equity, he shows how they are inferior to him in merits and successes, so that it may clearly appear that in the present state of things the form of justice that they think they understand is lame.
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SUMMARY
Job 21:24 serves as a potent challenge by Job against the simplistic retribution theology advocated by his friends. Through vivid, almost visceral imagery, Job asserts that, contrary to their belief that wickedness inevitably leads to immediate suffering and decline, many wicked individuals enjoy robust health, overflowing abundance, and physical vitality throughout their lives, seemingly untouched by divine judgment. This verse encapsulates Job's profound struggle with the apparent injustice of the world, where the unrighteous often thrive while the righteous endure hardship, thereby questioning the direct and visible correlation between sin and suffering in the present age.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Job 21:24 is exceptionally rich in Imagery and Metaphor, creating a vivid and almost visceral picture of the wicked's prosperity. The phrase "His breasts are full of milk" employs a powerful Metaphor of overflowing sustenance, drawing on the agrarian image of udders or milk pails brimming with nourishment, to convey extreme abundance and vitality. This is not a literal description of human anatomy but a symbolic representation of a person thriving physically and materially. Similarly, "his bones are moistened with marrow" uses another potent Metaphor to depict deep, internal health and vigor. Marrow, the life-giving substance within bones, symbolizes foundational strength and well-being. The combination of these two images creates a stark Contrast with Job's own emaciated, disease-ridden, and suffering state, thereby highlighting the perplexing reality that Job is challenging. The verse also employs Hyperbole to emphasize the extraordinary extent of this prosperity, making Job's point about the apparent injustice even more impactful and unsettling for his interlocutors.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 21:24 stands as a profound and enduring challenge to any simplistic "retribution theology" that posits an immediate, direct, and visible correlation between one's moral standing and their earthly circumstances. It forces us to confront the complex reality that earthly prosperity is not always an indicator of divine favor, nor is suffering always a sign of divine wrath. Job's observation underscores the profound mystery of God's providence and the crucial truth that divine justice is not always immediate or fully discernible within the confines of this temporal life. This verse compels us to look beyond superficial appearances and cultivate a deeper trust in a God whose ways are infinitely higher than our ways, and whose ultimate justice transcends our limited human understanding of cause and effect. It sets the stage for a more mature and resilient faith that endures even when God's actions seem inscrutable or when the world's apparent injustices remain unresolved in our lifetime.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 21:24 offers a crucial and often uncomfortable corrective to any theology that promises immediate earthly rewards for righteousness or swift, visible punishment for sin. It reminds us that God's justice operates on a grander scale and a different, often inscrutable, timeline than our own. In a world where the wicked often seem to flourish and the righteous endure hardship, this verse calls us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and perfect judgment, rather than relying on visible circumstances as a measure of divine approval or disapproval. It encourages us to resist the temptation to judge others based on their outward prosperity or suffering, and instead to focus on faithfulness, integrity, and obedience regardless of our immediate circumstances. True prosperity, from a biblical perspective, is not merely physical or material, but spiritual, rooted in one's relationship with God and the eternal realities of His kingdom. This verse challenges us to embrace the complexities of faith, to live with unresolved questions, and to find our ultimate hope not in what we see, but in the unseen, eternal realities of God's unwavering character and unfailing promises.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does Job 21:24 mean that God approves of the wicked, or that He doesn't care about justice?
Answer: No, Job 21:24 does not imply God's approval of the wicked or a lack of concern for justice. Instead, it highlights the perplexing reality that God's justice is not always immediate or fully manifest in this earthly life. Job's point is that the wicked often appear to prosper, which contradicts the simplistic retribution theology held by his friends. The Bible consistently teaches that God is perfectly just and will ultimately judge all people, repaying each person according to what they have done, as affirmed in Romans 2:6. This verse serves to deepen our understanding of God's mysterious ways and His sovereign timing, reminding us that His ultimate, comprehensive judgment is reserved for the end times, as powerfully depicted in passages like Revelation 20:12. It's a call to trust in God's perfect plan and His ultimate vindication of righteousness, even when it doesn't align with our immediate expectations of justice.
What is the significance of the imagery of "breasts full of milk" and "bones moistened with marrow"?
Answer: This imagery is highly significant, as it vividly portrays a state of peak physical health, abundant nourishment, and robust vitality. "His breasts are full of milk" (Hebrew: ʻăṭîyn, from H5845), often interpreted as milk pails or udders overflowing with milk, symbolizes an abundant supply of sustenance and prosperity, indicating that the wicked are not lacking in any material comfort or provision. It paints a picture of outward flourishing. "His bones are moistened with marrow" (Hebrew: môach, from H4221), referring to the rich, life-giving substance within the bones, signifies deep, internal strength, vigor, and freedom from debilitating illness. Together, these metaphors paint a comprehensive picture of complete, thriving well-being, emphasizing Job's argument that the wicked often enjoy a seemingly perfect physical existence, directly challenging the notion that sin automatically leads to physical decay or suffering. This imagery underscores the perplexing nature of the problem of evil and suffering that Job is grappling with.
How does Job's perspective in this verse relate to other biblical teachings on prosperity and suffering?
Answer: Job's perspective in Job 21:24 introduces a crucial nuance to the biblical discussion of prosperity and suffering. While the Old Testament often presents a general principle of covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (e.g., Deuteronomy 28), Job's experience and argument demonstrate that this principle is not an absolute, immediate, and universally observable formula in every individual's life. His view resonates with other passages that acknowledge the perplexing reality of the wicked prospering (e.g., Psalm 73, Jeremiah 12:1, Malachi 3:15). The New Testament further develops this by shifting focus from earthly prosperity to spiritual blessings in Christ (e.g., Ephesians 1:3) and emphasizing the ultimate, eternal judgment and justice that will be fully realized in God's perfect timing, rather than always in the present age (e.g., 2 Peter 3:8-9). Job's contribution is vital in preventing a simplistic, mechanistic, or overly prescriptive view of divine justice and providence.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 21:24, with its stark depiction of the wicked's apparent prosperity and robust health, finds its ultimate resolution and profoundest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job wrestled with the seeming injustice of the unrighteous thriving, Christ perfectly embodied the righteous sufferer, enduring unimaginable pain, rejection, and ultimately, death on a cross, despite His sinless life (1 Peter 2:22). His suffering on the cross, far from being a sign of divine disfavor, was the ultimate act of divine love and justice, absorbing the wrath due to humanity for sin (Romans 5:8). The temporary "milk and marrow" of the wicked in Job's day pales in comparison to the eternal, true life and spiritual sustenance offered by Christ, who declared Himself to be the Bread of Life and the Living Water. In Christ, the paradox of suffering and prosperity is resolved: true blessedness is found not in fleeting earthly abundance, but in union with Him, which brings eternal life and spiritual riches beyond measure (Ephesians 1:3). Moreover, Christ's resurrection and future return assure us that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and every deed will be brought to light before the judgment seat of Christ, ensuring that the temporary flourishing of the wicked will give way to the perfect and eternal reign of the King of kings and Lord of lords.