Job 34:30

That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.

That the hypocrite {H120}{H2611} reign {H4427} not, lest the people {H5971} be ensnared {H4170}.

so that godless men will not become kings, and the people will not be lured into traps.

that godless men should not rule or lay snares for the people.

That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people.

Job 34:30 is part of Elihu's lengthy discourse to Job and his three friends. Elihu, the youngest of Job's companions, steps forward to offer his perspective on divine justice and human suffering, arguing that God is just in all His ways and that suffering often serves a corrective purpose or reveals God's incomprehensible wisdom. In this particular verse, Elihu speaks about God's active role in the governance of nations, specifically regarding the type of leaders God allows or removes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Oversight of Rulers: Elihu asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over earthly kingdoms. God is not passive but actively involved in establishing and removing leaders. This verse highlights God's concern that oppressive or corrupt leadership not prevail indefinitely, as it would lead to widespread harm. As Daniel 2:21 states, God "removes kings, and sets up kings."
  • The Peril of Hypocritical Leadership: The "hypocrite" here refers to one who is impious, ungodly, or morally corrupt, often feigning righteousness or neglecting justice while in power. Such a leader, Elihu suggests, is a grave danger to the populace. Their reign leads to moral decay, injustice, and spiritual stumbling.
  • Protection of the People: The phrase "lest the people be ensnared" underscores God's protective nature towards His people. A hypocritical or unrighteous ruler can set traps, lead people astray morally, or create an environment where injustice thrives, causing great suffering. God's intervention or prevention is aimed at safeguarding the well-being and spiritual integrity of the community. Proverbs 29:2 also warns that "when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "hypocrite" is chanef (חָנֵף), which more accurately means "impious," "godless," or "profane." It describes someone whose character is corrupt and whose actions are unrighteous, rather than merely someone who pretends to be good. The term emphasizes their inner moral state and lack of reverence for God. The word "ensnared" comes from moqesh (מוֹקֵשׁ), signifying a "snare," "trap," or "stumbling block," implying that the people would be caught, misled, or brought to ruin by such leadership.

Practical Application

Job 34:30 offers timeless insights into the nature of leadership and divine justice. It reminds us of the profound impact leaders have on society, whether in government, business, or the church. It encourages discernment in choosing and supporting leaders, looking for integrity and genuine righteousness rather than mere outward show. Ultimately, it reinforces trust in God's ultimate control over all authority, knowing that His justice will prevail and He cares for the well-being of His people, even when unrighteous leaders seem to prosper for a time. We are called to pray for those in authority, that they may govern justly and righteously, leading their people away from snares and towards flourishing.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 13:3

    And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

  • Revelation 13:4

    And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who [is] like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

  • Job 34:21

    For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.

  • Proverbs 29:2

    ¶ When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

  • Proverbs 29:12

    ¶ If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.

  • 2 Kings 21:9

    But they hearkened not: and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:4

    Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back