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Job 24:24

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They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all [other], and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn.

They are exalted {H7426} for a little while {H4592}, but are gone and brought low {H4355}; they are taken out {H7092} of the way {H1870} as all other, and cut off {H5243} as the tops {H7218} of the ears of corn {H7641}.

They are exalted for a little while; and then they are gone, brought low, gathered in like all others, shriveled up like ears of grain.

They are exalted for a moment, then they are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others; they are cut off like heads of grain.

They are exalted; yet a little while, and they are gone; Yea, they are brought low, they are taken out of the way as all others, And are cut off as the tops of the ears of grain.

Commentary

Job 24:24, from the King James Version, is a profound observation by Job concerning the fleeting nature of the wicked's prosperity and their eventual downfall. This verse is part of Job's ongoing lament and theological debate with his friends about the apparent injustice in the world, where the ungodly often seem to flourish.

Context of Job 24:24

In Job chapter 24, Job continues to express his perplexity at the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. He details various acts of oppression and injustice perpetrated by those who seem to escape immediate divine retribution. While his friends insist that suffering is a direct consequence of sin, Job observes that the wicked often live long and prosper. Verse 24, however, offers a counterpoint, suggesting that despite their temporary exaltation, their end is certain and swift, aligning with a broader biblical theme of God's ultimate justice, even if delayed. This passage highlights Job's struggle to reconcile his faith in a just God with the harsh realities he witnesses.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Transience of Wicked Prosperity: The verse emphasizes that the "exaltation" of the wicked is only "for a little while." Their success is temporary, contrasting sharply with the eternal nature of God's kingdom and promises. This theme is echoed in other wisdom literature, such as Psalm 73, which describes the wicked being set in slippery places.
  • Certainty of Downfall: Despite their temporary flourishing, the wicked "are gone and brought low." This signifies a sure and inevitable reversal of their fortunes, a divine judgment that will eventually humble them.
  • Universal Mortality and Judgment: The phrase "taken out of the way as all [other]" underscores that even the most powerful or seemingly untouchable wicked individuals are subject to the same human mortality and divine accountability as everyone else. Death is the great equalizer.
  • Vivid Agricultural Metaphor: The comparison to being "cut off as the tops of the ears of corn" is a powerful image. Just as a farmer harvests grain, decisively and completely removing the mature heads, so too are the wicked swiftly and utterly removed from their position of power and influence. This speaks to a sudden, decisive end.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "exalted" (רוּם - rum) implies being lifted up, raised high, or made prominent. The contrasting phrase "brought low" (מָכַךְ - makak) means to be humbled, brought down, or made low. The metaphor of "cut off as the tops of the ears of corn" uses the word מָלַל (malal), which can mean to wither, fade, or be cut off, particularly in reference to plants. This vivid imagery underscores the abrupt and irreversible nature of their demise, much like a harvest operation.

Practical Application

For a general audience, Job 24:24 offers comfort and a call to perspective. It reminds believers not to be dismayed by the apparent success of those who disregard God's ways. While it may seem that injustice prevails, this verse reassures us that God's ultimate justice will be served. It encourages patience and faith in God's sovereignty, reinforcing the truth that earthly power and prosperity are fleeting. Instead of envying the wicked, believers are called to trust in God's timing and His righteous judgment, as highlighted in Psalm 37:1, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers." This verse provides a hopeful outlook, affirming that evil's triumph is always temporary.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 37:10 (9 votes)

    For yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be].

  • Job 8:22 (3 votes)

    They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.

  • Psalms 92:7 (3 votes)

    ¶ When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; [it is] that they shall be destroyed for ever:

  • Job 20:5 (3 votes)

    That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?

  • Psalms 73:19 (3 votes)

    How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

  • Revelation 14:14 (3 votes)

    And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud [one] sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

  • Revelation 14:20 (3 votes)

    And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand [and] six hundred furlongs.