Job 27:20

Job 27:20 (KJV) powerfully depicts the inevitable, terrifying end of the wicked, using vivid natural imagery to convey the sudden and overwhelming nature of divine judgment. This verse is part of Job's final discourse, where he steadfastly defends his integrity and articulates his understanding of God's justice, even as he grapples with his own profound suffering.

Context

Chapter 27 marks a pivotal point in the Book of Job, serving as Job's concluding monologue. After enduring immense personal loss and physical affliction (Job 1:21), and engaging in lengthy debates with his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) who insisted his suffering was due to hidden sin, Job reaffirms his righteousness. In this section, he shifts from defending himself to describing the ultimate fate of the wicked, asserting that despite their temporary prosperity, they will not escape God's righteous judgment.

Key Themes

• Inevitable Divine Judgment: The verse underscores the certainty that those who live in wickedness will face a terrifying reckoning. Their apparent peace is temporary, and their end is decreed by God.
• Sudden and Overwhelming Destruction: The imagery of "waters" and a "tempest" signifies an uncontrollable, engulfing force, while "stealeth him away in the night" emphasizes the unexpected and inescapable nature of this destruction, often without warning.
• The Terrors of Guilt: "Terrors take hold on him" suggests not only external calamity but also the internal dread and fear that can consume the wicked, perhaps even before the physical judgment arrives.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translation effectively conveys the Hebrew's dramatic force:

• "Terrors" (Hebrew: בַּלָּהוֹת, ballahoth) denotes fright, dread, or sudden destruction, suggesting a profound internal and external experience of fear.
• "Tempest" (Hebrew: סוּפָה, suphah) refers to a violent storm, whirlwind, or hurricane, a powerful and destructive natural phenomenon that sweeps away everything in its path.
• "Stealeth him away" (Hebrew: וַתִּגְנְבֵהוּ, vatig'nevehu) carries the connotation of a thief stealing something precious, implying a stealthy, unexpected, and irreversible removal, leaving no trace. This aligns with descriptions of sudden destruction in other biblical texts.

Practical Application

Job 27:20 offers profound lessons for believers today:

• Trust in God's Justice: In a world where injustice often seems to prevail, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is ultimately sovereign and righteous. His justice, though sometimes delayed from a human perspective, will surely come.
• Warning Against Wickedness: It provides a stark warning about the inevitable consequences of a life lived apart from God's ways. The temporary gains of the wicked are nothing compared to their ultimate, terrifying end.
• Encouragement for the Righteous: For those who seek to live righteously, this verse offers comfort. While they may suffer in this life, their ultimate destiny is secure, contrasting sharply with the terrifying end of the wicked. It encourages perseverance in faith and integrity.