1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
2 Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for [this] I make haste.
3 I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
4 Knowest thou [not] this of old, since man was placed upon earth,
5 That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?
6 Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds;
7 [Yet] he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where [is] he?
8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.
9 The eye also [which] saw him shall [see him] no more; neither shall his place any more behold him.
10 His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods.
11 His bones are full [of the sin] of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust.
12 Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, [though] he hide it under his tongue;
13 [Though] he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth:
14 [Yet] his meat in his bowels is turned, [it is] the gall of asps within him.
15 He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.
16 He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper’s tongue shall slay him.
17 He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter.
18 That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow [it] down: according to [his] substance [shall] the restitution [be], and he shall not rejoice [therein].
19 Because he hath oppressed [and] hath forsaken the poor; [because] he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;
20 Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired.
21 There shall none of his meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods.
22 In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.
23 [When] he is about to fill his belly, [God] shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain [it] upon him while he is eating.
24 He shall flee from the iron weapon, [and] the bow of steel shall strike him through.
25 It is drawn, and cometh out of the body; yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall: terrors [are] upon him.
26 All darkness [shall be] hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.
27 The heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise up against him.
28 The increase of his house shall depart, [and his goods] shall flow away in the day of his wrath.
29 This [is] the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.
Overview of Job Chapter 20
Job Chapter 20 features the speech of Zophar, one of Job’s friends, who responds to Job’s lamentations about his suffering. This chapter is significant as it encapsulates the traditional belief in retributive justice, where the wicked are punished and the righteous rewarded. Zophar’s discourse is characterized by a sense of urgency and a strong condemnation of the wicked, which he believes Job embodies due to his current plight.
Key Themes
- Retributive Justice: Zophar emphasizes that the wicked will ultimately face punishment, reinforcing the idea that suffering is a direct result of sin.
- The Nature of the Wicked: The chapter delves into the characteristics and fate of the wicked, portraying them as individuals who may prosper temporarily but will ultimately be destroyed.
- Divine Wisdom: Zophar asserts that God’s wisdom is beyond human understanding, suggesting that Job’s suffering is part of a divine plan that Job cannot comprehend.
Structure of the Chapter
- Zophar’s Anger and Response (Verses 1-3):
Zophar begins his speech by expressing his frustration with Job’s words. He feels compelled to respond, indicating that Job’s claims of innocence are unfounded.
- The Fate of the Wicked (Verses 4-9):
Zophar outlines the fate of the wicked, stating that their joy is short-lived and their end is destruction. He uses vivid imagery to describe their downfall.
- The Temporary Prosperity of the Wicked (Verses 10-15):
He notes that the wicked may enjoy wealth and success, but this is fleeting. Zophar argues that their ill-gotten gains will ultimately lead to their ruin.
- Divine Retribution (Verses 16-19):
Zophar emphasizes that the wicked will face divine retribution, and their suffering will be justly deserved. He warns that they cannot escape God’s judgment.
- The Certainty of Judgment (Verses 20-29):
Concluding his speech, Zophar reiterates that the wicked will face inevitable judgment. He paints a picture of their ultimate demise, emphasizing the certainty of God’s justice.
Literary Devices
- Imagery: Zophar employs vivid imagery to illustrate the fate of the wicked, making his arguments more impactful.
- Parallelism: The use of parallel structures enhances the poetic nature of the text, emphasizing the contrasts between the wicked and the righteous.
- Rhetorical Questions: Zophar uses questions to provoke thought and emphasize the absurdity of Job’s claims of innocence in light of his suffering.
Theological Implications
Job Chapter 20 raises significant theological questions regarding the nature of suffering, justice, and the character of God. Zophar’s assertions reflect a common belief in his time that suffering is a direct consequence of personal sin. This perspective invites readers to consider the complexities of divine justice and the reality of human suffering, challenging simplistic interpretations of retribution.
Conclusion
In summary, Job Chapter 20 serves as a critical moment in the dialogue between Job and his friends, particularly in the context of Zophar’s rigid understanding of justice. It highlights the tension between human perception of justice and the divine wisdom that governs the universe, ultimately setting the stage for Job’s continued defense of his integrity and the exploration of deeper truths about suffering and righteousness.
