Job 5:21

Job 5:21 KJV offers a promise of divine protection and security to the one who, according to Eliphaz's counsel, turns to God and embraces His discipline. This verse is part of Eliphaz's first discourse to Job, where he attempts to explain Job's suffering as a consequence of sin and calls him to repentance, promising blessings and restoration upon his return to God.

Context

This verse is found within Eliphaz's well-intentioned, yet ultimately flawed, theological argument in Job chapter 5. Eliphaz, one of Job's three friends, posits that God is just and that suffering is typically a result of iniquity. He urges Job to acknowledge his sin and seek God, promising that if he does, God will deliver him from various afflictions. Job 5:21 is one of a series of blessings Eliphaz enumerates, portraying a life of peace and security for the righteous individual who finds favor with God. While the premise of Eliphaz's argument was incorrect concerning Job's unique situation, the verse itself speaks to general principles of divine protection often found throughout Scripture.

Key Themes

• Divine Protection: The primary theme is God's active safeguarding of His faithful from various forms of harm. This protection extends beyond physical threats to include reputational and emotional well-being.
• Security from Slander: The promise to be hid from the "scourge of the tongue" highlights protection from malicious gossip, false accusations, and verbal attacks that can inflict deep wounds and damage one's standing.
• Fearlessness in Calamity: The assurance of not being afraid of "destruction when it cometh" emphasizes a profound inner peace and confidence, even in the face of widespread disaster or personal ruin. This speaks to a trust in God's sovereignty and presence amidst adversity.
• Trust and Righteousness: Implicit in Eliphaz's message is that these blessings are contingent upon a right relationship with God, characterized by humility and trust, though Job's case ultimately challenges this simplistic cause-and-effect.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "scourge of the tongue" comes from the Hebrew word lashon (tongue), which often refers to speech, and the concept of "scourge" implies a sharp, cutting instrument or a severe punishment. Thus, it vividly portrays the pain and damage inflicted by malicious words, slander, or false witness. The term "destruction" is from the Hebrew word shod, meaning violence, devastation, ruin, or calamity. This word encompasses various forms of disaster, from personal misfortune to widespread devastation, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the promised protection.

Related Scriptures

• The promise to be hid from the scourge of the tongue speaks to divine protection from slander and malicious speech, a theme echoed in Psalm 31:20, where God hides His people from the strife of tongues.
• This assurance mirrors the peace found in not being afraid of terror or calamity, as seen in the broader promises of protection in Psalm 91, particularly verses 5-6.
• The concept of not fearing destruction is also consistent with the peace promised to those whose minds are steadfastly fixed on God, as expressed in Isaiah 26:3: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Practical Application

While Eliphaz's application to Job was flawed, the underlying principle of God's protective care for those who truly trust Him remains a profound truth for believers today. In an age of widespread digital communication, the "scourge of the tongue" manifests in online slander, gossip, and cyberbullying. This verse offers comfort and hope that God can shield His children from the damaging effects of such verbal assaults. Furthermore, in times of economic uncertainty, natural disasters, or personal crises, the assurance of not being afraid of "destruction when it cometh" encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of peace and confidence rooted in God's sovereignty. It calls us to place our trust in Him, knowing that He is our ultimate refuge and shield, even when circumstances around us are chaotic or threatening.