Job 27:23

[Men] shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.

Men shall clap {H5606} their hands {H3709} at him, and shall hiss {H8319} him out of his place {H4725}.

[People] clap their hands at him in derision and hiss him out of his home.

It claps its hands at him and hisses him out of his place.

Men shall clap their hands at him, And shall hiss him out of his place.

Commentary

Context of Job 27:23

Job 27 marks a significant turn in Job's final discourse, where he powerfully reasserts his integrity and unwavering faith in God, even amidst his inexplicable suffering. This chapter is a rebuttal to his friends' accusations that his suffering must be due to hidden sin. Instead, Job declares his commitment to righteousness (Job 27:1-6) and then proceeds to describe the ultimate portion of the wicked (Job 27:7-23). He argues that while the wicked may experience temporary prosperity, their end is always ruin and disgrace, a stark contrast to his own steadfastness. Verse 23 serves as the dramatic conclusion to his description of the wicked man's inevitable downfall, emphasizing the public and humiliating nature of their judgment.

Meaning of Job 27:23

The verse vividly portrays the public scorn and ultimate rejection of the wicked. When men "clap their hands at him," it is not an act of applause or approval, but rather a gesture of derision, mockery, or triumph over a fallen enemy. It signifies open contempt and satisfaction at the downfall of one who once seemed powerful or secure. To "hiss him out of his place" means to expel him with sounds of extreme disapproval, disdain, and rejection. "Out of his place" implies being removed from his position of authority, wealth, or influence, and cast out into public shame. This paints a picture of complete and utter disgrace, where the wicked individual is not only judged by God but also publicly reviled and dismissed by society.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: This verse underscores the biblical principle that God's justice will ultimately prevail. While the wicked may flourish for a time, their end is certain judgment and public disgrace. This aligns with the broader theme of God's just dealings with both the righteous and the wicked.
  • The Futility of Wicked Prosperity: Job emphasizes that any perceived success or prosperity gained through unrighteousness is fleeting. It leads not to lasting honor but to ultimate shame and expulsion.
  • Public Disgrace and Humiliation: The vivid imagery of clapping hands and hissing highlights the public nature of the wicked's downfall. Their judgment is not just internal but involves widespread scorn and rejection.
  • Vindication of Righteousness: By contrasting the fate of the wicked with his own integrity, Job implicitly argues for the eventual vindication of those who maintain their righteousness, even in suffering.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Clap their hands" (Hebrew: saphaq - ืกึธืคึทืง): This verb denotes striking or clapping, but in contexts like this, it carries the connotation of mockery, scorn, or triumph over an adversary. It's an act of public derision, not applause.
  • "Hiss" (Hebrew: sharaq - ืฉึธืืจึทืง): This word describes a whistling or hissing sound, commonly used in ancient Near Eastern cultures to express contempt, astonishment, or disapproval. It's a vocal expression of utter disdain.
  • "Out of his place": This phrase signifies a complete removal from one's established position, status, or sphere of influence. It implies a total loss of power, security, and standing.

Practical Application

Job 27:23 serves as a powerful reminder about the ultimate consequences of a life lived apart from God's ways. It encourages believers to trust in God's perfect justice, even when it seems the wicked prosper. This verse offers:

  • A Warning: It serves as a stark warning against pursuing wealth, power, or influence through unrighteous means, as such paths inevitably lead to ruin and public disgrace. The temporary pleasures of sin are far outweighed by its eternal and public consequences.
  • An Encouragement to the Righteous: For those who suffer unjustly or feel overlooked, this verse reassures them that God sees and will ultimately bring about justice. While their vindication may not be immediate, the fate of the wicked is sealed, and their own righteousness will ultimately be acknowledged. This echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 11:18 regarding the true reward of righteousness.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even when the world seems chaotic and injustice appears to reign, this verse affirms God's ultimate control and His commitment to upholding righteousness and punishing wickedness. We are called to leave vengeance to the Lord, knowing He will execute perfect judgment.
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Cross-References

  • Lamentations 2:15 (5 votes)

    All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

  • 1 Kings 9:8 (3 votes)

    And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

  • Zephaniah 2:15 (3 votes)

    This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.

  • Proverbs 11:10 (2 votes)

    ยถ When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting.

  • Esther 9:22 (2 votes)

    As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

  • Esther 9:25 (2 votes)

    But when [Esther] came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

  • Revelation 18:20 (2 votes)

    Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.