Job 24:22

KJV

He draweth also the mighty with his power: he riseth up, and no [man] is sure of life.

KJV (with Strong's)

He draweth {H4900} also the mighty {H47} with his power {H3581}: he riseth up {H6965}, and no man is sure {H539} of life {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Yet God keeps pulling the mighty along -they get up, even when not trusting their own lives.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet by His power, God drags away the mighty; though rising up, they have no assurance of life.

American Standard Version

YetGod preserveth the mighty by his power: He riseth up that hath no assurance of life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 24:22 powerfully articulates Job's profound struggle with the apparent injustice in the world, where the wicked often seem to prosper and evade immediate consequences. This verse captures his observation that even the most powerful and influential individuals, despite their temporal strength, are ultimately subject to an overarching divine power and the universal reality of human mortality. It underscores the sobering truth that no human being, regardless of their might or perceived security, possesses inherent certainty or control over their own life and ultimate destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 24 is situated within Job's third cycle of speeches, though its exact attribution and coherence have been subjects of scholarly debate. In this chapter, Job continues his impassioned argument against the simplistic retribution theology espoused by his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. They insist that suffering is a direct consequence of sin, and prosperity a sign of righteousness. Job, from the depths of his inexplicable suffering, presents a stark counter-reality: he observes that the wicked often thrive, commit egregious injustices—such as moving boundary stones, stealing flocks, oppressing the poor, and committing violence—and appear to escape immediate divine judgment, living seemingly undisturbed lives ([Job 24:1-12](/job/24-1-12 "Job 24:1-12 - Job's Lament on the Wicked's Prosperity")). Within this lament, verse 22 serves as a poignant, if somewhat ambiguous, interjection. It suggests that despite their temporary dominance, even these seemingly invincible oppressors are ultimately subject to a power beyond their control, and their lives are inherently precarious, hinting at an eventual, inescapable reckoning, even if its timing remains a mystery to Job. This verse marks a subtle shift, perhaps reflecting Job's lingering faith in God's ultimate sovereignty, even amidst his questions about present justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, likely a region in Edom or northern Arabia, reflecting a patriarchal society with strong tribal structures and an agricultural economy. The prevailing cultural and theological understanding of justice in the ancient Near East, particularly among wisdom traditions, was often based on a direct cause-and-effect relationship between actions and divine recompense: righteousness led to blessings, and wickedness to curses. This framework is precisely what Job's experience and arguments challenge. The "mighty" in this context would refer to powerful landowners, tribal chiefs, or wealthy individuals who, by virtue of their position, could exploit the vulnerable—the poor, widows, and orphans—without immediate legal or social repercussions. Job's observations of such systemic injustice were not unique to his time; the problem of innocent suffering and the prosperity of the wicked was a perennial challenge that wisdom traditions across cultures grappled with, often seeking to reconcile it with the belief in a just and omnipotent deity.
* **Key Themes:** Job 24:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it touches upon the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, albeit from Job's perspective of questioning its immediate manifestation. While Job laments the apparent delay in God's judgment, this verse subtly affirms God's ultimate power, suggesting that even the "mighty" are within His grasp and subject to His will, even if His methods or timetable are not immediately clear to human understanding. This foreshadows God's eventual appearance and His declarations of omnipotence in chapters [Job 38-41](/job/38-41 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches to Job"). Secondly, it highlights **Human Mortality and Vulnerability**. A central message of the verse is the inherent fragility and transience of human life, regardless of status, wealth, or strength. No one, not even the most powerful oppressor, is immune to the uncertainties of life or the certainty of death, a truth echoed throughout biblical wisdom literature, as seen in [Psalm 90:3-10](/psalms/90-3-10 "Psalm 90:3-10 - The Brevity of Human Life"). Finally, it speaks to the **Fate of the Wicked**. Despite their temporary prosperity and perceived security, Job hints at the eventual insecurity and ultimate downfall of the wicked. Their power is fleeting, and their lives are ultimately precarious, a theme that finds its full resolution in God's final judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **draweth (Hebrew, _mâshak'_):** This verb (מָשַׁךְ, H4900) denotes to draw, drag, pull, or prolong. In this context, it implies a powerful, irresistible force. It suggests an active, forceful pulling, indicating that the "mighty" are not merely subject to natural processes but are actively drawn by a superior power, likely God, towards their end or judgment. It conveys a sense of inevitability and divine control, highlighting that their perceived autonomy is an illusion.
* **mighty (Hebrew, _ʼabbîyr'_):** The word (אַבִּיר, H47) signifies someone noble, majestic, powerful, or excellent, often used to describe God's majesty or powerful entities. Here, applied to humans, it emphasizes the strength, influence, and perceived invincibility of the wicked individuals Job has been describing. The use of this strong term highlights the stark contrast between their apparent earthly strength and their ultimate vulnerability before a greater power.
* **power (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** This noun (כֹּחַ, H3581) denotes vigor, force, ability, or might. When referring to God, it speaks of His omnipotence. When referring to man, it denotes physical strength, resources, or influence. In this verse, it most likely refers to the superior, irresistible power of the one who "draweth" the mighty, implying divine omnipotence and control over all human affairs, even those of the most formidable individuals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He draweth also the mighty with his power:"** This clause presents a compelling image of a superior, irresistible force (implicitly God, or the divine orchestration of life and death) actively pulling or dragging even the most powerful individuals. It challenges the notion that the "mighty" are self-sufficient or immune to external control. Their strength, wealth, and influence are ultimately no match for this greater power, suggesting an eventual, inescapable reckoning or limitation placed upon them. The "his power" refers to the power of the one doing the drawing, not the power of the mighty.
* **"he riseth up,"** This phrase (יָקוּם - _yaqum_) is ambiguous in its subject. It could refer to the "mighty" one rising up, perhaps in self-assertion, to commit injustice, or to wield their power. Alternatively, it could refer to the divine agent rising up in judgment or action. Given the context of the wicked's actions throughout the chapter, it most likely refers to the wicked individual establishing themselves or asserting their dominance, only for the subsequent clause to immediately undercut their perceived security and permanence.
* **"and no [man] is sure of life."** This final clause delivers the stark, universal truth that undercuts the previous assertion of power. Despite the power or self-assertion of the "mighty" individual, their life is inherently uncertain and finite. The Hebrew word for "sure" (אמן - _'âman_, H539) emphasizes a lack of "security," "firmness," or "trustworthiness" concerning life itself. No human, regardless of their status, wealth, or strength, can guarantee their own continued existence or escape the inevitability of death and divine judgment. This directly counters the perceived security and prosperity of the wicked that Job has been lamenting throughout the chapter.

#### Literary Devices
Job 24:22 employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. **Irony** is prominent, as Job highlights the paradox that those who wield the most earthly power and seem most secure are, in fact, utterly insecure in the face of a higher power and the certainty of mortality. The "mighty" are described as being "drawn" by "his power," which is the power of the divine, creating a powerful **juxtaposition** between fleeting human might and irresistible divine omnipotence. The phrase "no man is sure of life" serves as a **universal declaration**, transforming a specific observation about the wicked into a timeless truth about the human condition. The imagery of "drawing" (מָשַׁךְ) suggests an almost physical, irresistible force, creating a vivid and impactful mental picture of the inevitable end for those who trust in their own strength rather than in God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 24:22, while part of Job's lament and his struggle with God's apparent inaction, subtly affirms God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, including the most powerful human beings. It underscores the pervasive biblical truth that human strength, earthly security, and worldly influence are fleeting illusions when compared to the eternal and absolute power of God. The verse resonates with a pervasive theme in Scripture: that while the wicked may prosper for a time, their ultimate end is insecurity and judgment, and no human can escape the certainty of death or accountability before their Creator. It serves as a reminder that true security is not found in human might or worldly possessions, but in God alone, who holds the power of life and death.

* [Psalm 73:18-19](/psalms/73-18-19 "Psalm 73:18-19 - The Wicked's Slippery Path")
* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Profit Not in the Day of Wrath")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - The Brevity and Uncertainty of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 24:22 offers a sobering yet profoundly liberating perspective for believers today. In a world that often values power, influence, and material security above all else, this verse reminds us that such earthly foundations are inherently unstable and ultimately transient. It challenges us to re-evaluate where we place our trust and derive our sense of security. If even the "mighty" are not "sure of life," then our ultimate hope and certainty must reside in something, or Someone, beyond the temporal and physical. This verse encourages a profound sense of humility, recognizing that our lives are a precious gift, transient and ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. It prompts us to live wisely, prioritizing eternal values—justice, righteousness, compassion, and a deepening relationship with God—over fleeting worldly achievements and the pursuit of self-serving power. When we observe injustice or the apparent prosperity of the wicked, this verse provides a theological anchor, reminding us that God's ultimate justice will prevail, even if its timing is not always immediately apparent to our limited human understanding. It calls us to trust in His unwavering sovereignty and to remember that true, enduring life is found not in self-assertion or worldly might, but in humble reliance on the eternal God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek security in my life: in my own strength, resources, or worldly achievements, or in God's unfailing provision and sovereignty?**
* **How does the apparent prosperity of the wicked challenge my faith, and how can the truth of Job 24:22 help me to reframe that challenge with an eternal perspective?**
* **In what ways can I live with a greater awareness of life's brevity and uncertainty, and how might that influence my daily choices, priorities, and pursuit of God's will?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when I don't see it immediately manifested in the world around me?**

### FAQ

**Does Job 24:22 imply that God actively causes the death of the mighty, or simply that they are subject to His ultimate decree?**

Answer: The phrase "He draweth also the mighty with his power" strongly suggests an active, irresistible force at work, which is most naturally interpreted as God's ultimate sovereignty and control over life and death. While it doesn't necessarily imply a direct, immediate act of judgment in every instance, it certainly conveys that even the most powerful human beings are not beyond God's reach or the natural limits He has set for human life. It underscores that their "power" is ultimately insufficient to guarantee their security or immortality. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that God holds the power of life and death, as declared in [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God's Power Over Life and Death") and [1 Samuel 2:6](/1_samuel/2-6 "1 Samuel 2:6 - The Lord Kills and Makes Alive").

**How does this verse fit into Job's overall argument about suffering and justice?**

Answer: Job 24:22 is a crucial, albeit complex, part of Job's argument against his friends' simplistic retribution theology. Throughout Chapter 24, Job details the many ways the wicked exploit the vulnerable and seem to escape punishment, living in apparent peace and prosperity ([Job 24:2-12](/job/24-2-12 "Job 24:2-12 - Examples of Wickedness and Injustice")). This verse, however, introduces a subtle shift or perhaps a glimmer of Job's own underlying belief in God's ultimate justice, even if delayed. It acknowledges that despite their temporary success and apparent security, the "mighty" wicked are still subject to a higher power and the universal truth of mortality. It implies that their perceived invincibility is an illusion, and their lives are as precarious as anyone else's, ultimately leading to an inescapable end. It's Job wrestling with the tension between observed reality and theological conviction, asserting that God's sovereignty will ultimately prevail, even if His methods and timing are beyond human comprehension.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 24:22, with its stark declaration that "no man is sure of life," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse highlights the universal human condition of mortality and the fleeting nature of earthly power, Christ offers the definitive answer to this deep-seated insecurity. The "mighty" of this world, who trust in their own strength and influence, are indeed drawn by an ultimate power to an uncertain end. However, Jesus, though appearing in weakness and humility, demonstrated true divine power by conquering death itself, rising victoriously from the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ's Death and Resurrection")). He is the one who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), offering a security of life that no earthly power or human might can ever provide. For those who believe in Him, life is no longer uncertain but eternal, secured by His resurrection and indwelling Spirit ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). The "power" that draws the mighty to their end is ultimately God's sovereign power, which was perfectly manifested in Christ's triumph over sin and death, providing a pathway to true and everlasting life for all who trust in Him, rather than in their own fleeting might or worldly achievements. He is the only one who can truly make us "sure of life."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 6:4

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he [was] faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

Daniel 6:9

Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

Revelation 16:13

And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

Revelation 16:14

For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, [which] go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

John 19:12

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

John 19:16

¶ Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him] away.

Esther 3:8

And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws [are] diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it [is] not for the king's profit to suffer them.