Job 24:5

KJV

Behold, [as] wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness [yieldeth] food for them [and] for [their] children.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, as wild asses {H6501} in the desert {H4057}, go they forth {H3318} to their work {H6467}; rising betimes {H7836} for a prey {H2964}: the wilderness {H6160} yieldeth food {H3899} for them and for their children {H5288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

like wild donkeys in the wilderness, they have to go out and scavenge food, [hoping that] the desert will provide food for their children.

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, like wild donkeys in the desert, the poor go to work foraging for food; the wasteland is food for their children.

American Standard Version

Behold, as wild asses in the desert They go forth to their work, seeking diligently for food; The wildernessyieldeththem bread for their children.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Job 24:5, Job continues his impassioned argument, directly challenging the simplistic retribution theology espoused by his friends. He employs vivid, almost jarring imagery to describe the wicked, portraying them not as those immediately afflicted by divine judgment, but as fiercely independent and resourceful individuals who, like wild asses in the desert, diligently secure their livelihood and provide for their families through relentless, often predatory, effort, seemingly unhindered by divine intervention. This observation underscores Job's profound perplexity regarding the apparent injustice and delayed retribution he perceives in the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 24:5 is situated within Job's extended discourse in chapters 23-24, where he articulates his profound struggle with the problem of divine justice. His friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—have consistently argued that suffering is a direct consequence of sin, implying Job's guilt. Job, however, counters their conventional wisdom by pointing to the widespread prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the innocent. This verse provides a concrete example of his observation, detailing how the lawless and oppressive thrive by their own efforts, even providing for their children, a stark contrast to the expected immediate divine punishment. This particular verse forms part of a larger indictment of societal injustice, where Job laments the lack of divine intervention against those who exploit the vulnerable, as seen in the preceding verses of [Job 24](/job/24 "Job 24 - Job's Lament on Injustice").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "wild asses in the desert" resonates powerfully within the ancient Near Eastern context, where the wild donkey (Hebrew: *pereʼ*) was a well-known creature of the desolate wilderness. These animals were renowned for their untamed nature, independence, speed, and remarkable ability to survive and thrive in harsh, unforgiving environments. This cultural understanding would have immediately conveyed a sense of ruthless self-reliance and a predatory instinct necessary for survival. The "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, *midbâr*) itself was often a symbol of hardship and struggle, yet for the wicked, it "yieldeth food," implying that even in challenging circumstances, they manage to extract sustenance through their aggressive methods. This observation challenges the common ancient Near Eastern belief in immediate divine retribution for societal wrongs, a belief often tied to covenant blessings and curses, as found in texts like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the central theme of **the prosperity of the wicked**, directly contradicting the friends' simplistic theology that righteousness leads to blessing and wickedness to immediate curse. Job observes that those who commit evil acts often manage to secure their livelihood and provide for their families, seemingly unhindered by divine judgment, which he further illustrates by describing their predatory nature in [Job 24:2-4](/job/24-2 "Job 24:2-4 - Job's Description of the Wicked"). Secondly, the verse underscores the profound **mystery of divine justice**. Job is not denying God's ultimate justice, but rather grappling with its delayed and often inscrutable manifestation in the present world. Thirdly, the imagery of "wild asses" emphasizes the **ruthless diligence and predatory nature** of the wicked. They are proactive, rising "betimes for a prey," illustrating their aggressive and exploitative methods in acquiring sustenance, often at the expense of others, a point Job elaborates on in his description of their actions against the poor in [Job 24:9-12](/job/24-9 "Job 24:9-12 - The Oppression of the Poor").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wild asses (Hebrew, _pereʼ'_):** This term (פֶּרֶא, H6501) refers specifically to the wild donkey, or onager, an animal known for its fierce independence, untamed spirit, speed, and remarkable ability to survive in desolate, arid regions. Unlike domesticated animals, the *pereʼ* is self-reliant and cannot be easily controlled. In Job 24:5, this imagery powerfully conveys the wicked's untamed nature, their rejection of societal or divine constraints, and their self-sufficient, aggressive pursuit of their own interests, often at the expense of others. They are not guided by moral codes but by raw instinct for survival and acquisition.

* **Rising betimes (Hebrew, _shâchar'_):** The verb *shâchar* (שָׁחַר, H7836) literally means "to dawn" or "to be (up) early at any task," often with an implication of earnestness or diligence. In this context, it emphasizes the proactive, relentless, and aggressive nature of the wicked. They are not passive recipients of fortune but actively and diligently pursue their goals, often at dawn, a time associated with hunting and seizing opportunities, highlighting their predatory and exploitative methods. This diligence is directed towards self-serving, often harmful, ends.

* **Prey (Hebrew, _ṭereph'_):** This term (טֶרֶף, H2964) refers to something torn, seized, or violently acquired, often the spoils of a predator. It strongly connotes that the wicked's livelihood is not earned through honest labor but obtained through predatory means, through exploitation, violence, or injustice. Their "food" is not a blessing but a "prey," underscoring the morally questionable nature of their gains and their aggressive acquisition methods.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, [as] wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work":** This opening clause presents a striking simile, likening the wicked to wild asses. The "desert" (מִדְבָּר, *midbâr*, H4057) signifies a harsh, untamed environment, emphasizing the wicked's self-reliance and lack of external constraint. Their "work" (פֹּעַל, *pôʻal*, H6467) is not a virtuous endeavor but their characteristic mode of operation—a relentless, untamed pursuit of their own desires and sustenance, unburdened by moral considerations.

* **"rising betimes for a prey":** This phrase further elaborates on the nature of their "work." The wicked are depicted as highly proactive and aggressive, waking early (שָׁחַר, *shâchar*, H7836) to seize opportunities for gain. The word "prey" (טֶרֶף, *ṭereph*, H2964) immediately clarifies that their gains are not legitimate earnings but something seized or plundered, highlighting their predatory and exploitative methods. This diligence is directed towards self-serving, often harmful, ends.

* **"the wilderness [yieldeth] food for them [and] for [their] children":** This concluding clause underscores the perplexing reality that Job observes: despite their predatory and unrighteous actions, the wicked are successful. The "wilderness" (עֲרָבָה, *ʻărâbâh*, H6160), a symbol of scarcity, paradoxically provides "food" (לֶחֶם, *lechem*, H3899) for them, indicating their resourcefulness and effectiveness in securing sustenance. Crucially, this provision extends to "their children" (נַעַר, *naʻar*, H5288), implying not just personal survival but generational stability and prosperity, directly challenging the expectation of divine judgment and the eradication of the wicked's lineage.

#### Literary Devices
Job 24:5 is rich with literary artistry, primarily employing **Simile** and **Imagery**. The central **Simile** compares the wicked to "wild asses in the desert," a powerful and evocative comparison. This simile immediately conjures images of untamed, independent, and aggressive creatures, perfectly illustrating the wicked's self-reliant, unbridled pursuit of their desires. The **Imagery** of the "desert" and "prey" further enhances this portrayal, painting a picture of a harsh, unforgiving world where survival depends on predatory instincts and ruthless acquisition. The "wilderness" paradoxically "yieldeth food," creating a subtle **Irony** that highlights Job's central dilemma: the apparent success of the unrighteous in a world supposedly governed by a just God. This stark, realistic portrayal of the wicked's thriving existence serves to amplify Job's profound struggle with the problem of divine justice and the delayed retribution he observes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job's observation in Job 24:5 resonates deeply with a perennial theological dilemma: the prosperity of the wicked. This verse stands as a poignant challenge to the simplistic, immediate retribution theology often presented by Job's friends and, at times, implied in other biblical texts. Job's experience forces a more nuanced understanding of divine justice, one that acknowledges God's sovereignty and ultimate righteousness, yet grapples with the reality that divine judgment is not always immediate or visible in the present life. This tension compels believers to trust in God's perfect timing and ultimate plan, rather than relying on a superficial cause-and-effect understanding of suffering and prosperity. It reminds us that worldly success is not necessarily a sign of divine favor, nor is suffering always an indication of divine displeasure.

* [Psalm 73:3-12](/psalm/73-3 "Psalm 73:3-12 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")
* [Jeremiah 12:1-2](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah 12:1-2 - Jeremiah's Complaint About the Wicked's Prosperity")
* [Malachi 3:15](/malachi/3-15 "Malachi 3:15 - The Arrogant are Built Up")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 24:5 forces us to confront a difficult truth that often challenges our faith: the wicked do, at times, prosper. In a world that frequently rewards ruthless ambition, exploitation, and moral compromise, it can be deeply unsettling to witness those who disregard ethical boundaries achieve material success, while righteous individuals may face hardship or struggle. This verse serves as a vital reminder that God's justice operates on a timeline and according to principles far grander than our immediate perceptions. It calls us to resist the temptation to equate outward prosperity with divine blessing or to become cynical when justice seems delayed. Instead, it urges us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and to anchor our hope not in the fleeting successes of this world, but in the eternal values of righteousness, integrity, and faithfulness to God. Our calling is to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, regardless of the apparent outcomes in the present, knowing that true blessing is found in relationship with Him, not in worldly gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you reconcile the apparent prosperity of the wicked with God's justice in your own experience?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the nature of true success and blessing from a biblical perspective?**
* **How can we maintain faith and moral integrity when the world seems to reward unrighteousness, as Job describes?**

### FAQ

**Why does Job focus on the wicked prospering, rather than suffering?**

Answer: Job's primary objective throughout his discourse is to challenge the simplistic retribution theology put forth by his friends, which asserts that suffering is always a direct result of sin and prosperity a sign of righteousness. Job, an innocent sufferer, observes the exact opposite in the world around him. He points to the prosperity of the wicked as undeniable counter-evidence to their theory, demonstrating that God's ways are more complex and inscrutable than his friends' neat theological formulas allow. His focus is on the apparent injustice of the present reality, not a denial of God's ultimate justice.

**What is the significance of the "wild asses" imagery?**

Answer: The "wild asses" (Hebrew: *pereʼ*) are a powerful symbol. They represent creatures that are untamed, fiercely independent, and self-reliant, thriving in harsh desert environments through their own aggressive efforts. By comparing the wicked to these animals, Job emphasizes their lawless nature, their rejection of divine or human authority, and their relentless, predatory pursuit of their own gain. They are not dependent on God's blessing but on their own ruthless diligence, seizing what they need like wild animals hunting for "prey." This imagery underscores the wicked's self-sufficiency and their ability to extract sustenance even from difficult circumstances.

**Does this verse imply that God approves of the wicked's actions?**

Answer: No, this verse describes Job's observation of reality, not a divine endorsement of the wicked's actions. Job is articulating his perplexity and frustration with the apparent lack of immediate divine intervention against the unrighteous. The Bible consistently condemns wickedness, but it also reveals God's patience and long-suffering, which allows both the righteous and the unrighteous to experience temporary prosperity or hardship in this life. The ultimate judgment and full manifestation of God's justice are reserved for a future time, as seen in passages like [Ecclesiastes 8:11](/ecclesiastes/8-11 "Ecclesiastes 8:11 - Because Sentence Against an Evil Work is Not Executed Speedily").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's profound struggle with the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous finds its ultimate resolution and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job wrestled with a God whose justice seemed delayed or hidden, the New Testament reveals a God who, in Christ, fully enters into human suffering and perfectly embodies righteousness, even unto death. Jesus, the truly [righteous sufferer](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), experienced the ultimate injustice, being crucified by wicked hands, yet His suffering was not for His own sin but for the sins of the world, fulfilling the prophecy of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His resurrection is the definitive proof that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and that death and wickedness do not have the final word. Christ's teachings consistently reorient our understanding of true prosperity, emphasizing spiritual riches over worldly gain, as He taught His disciples to [store up treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven") rather than on earth. He promises that those who follow Him, even if they experience hardship or persecution in this life, will inherit an eternal kingdom where [righteousness dwells](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and a New Earth"). Thus, the apparent triumph of the wicked, as observed by Job, is ultimately a temporary illusion, for in Christ, God has secured a future where all injustice will be rectified, and true, everlasting justice will reign supreme, culminating in a [new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more death, sorrow, or crying](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow").

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

Psalms 104:23

Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.

Job 39:5

Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?

Job 39:7

He scorneth the multitude of the city, neither regardeth he the crying of the driver.

Zephaniah 3:3

Her princes within her [are] roaring lions; her judges [are] evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

John 18:28

¶ Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

Hosea 8:9

For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers.

Job 5:5

Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance.