Job 12:24
He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֭ב
the heart
H3820
לֵ֭ב
the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
2 of 9
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
רָאשֵׁ֣י
of the chief
H7218
רָאשֵׁ֣י
of the chief
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
3 of 9
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
עַם
of the people
H5971
עַם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 9
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַ֝יַּתְעֵ֗ם
and causeth them to wander
H8582
וַ֝יַּתְעֵ֗ם
and causeth them to wander
Strong's:
H8582
Word #:
6 of 9
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
בְּתֹ֣הוּ
in a wilderness
H8414
בְּתֹ֣הוּ
in a wilderness
Strong's:
H8414
Word #:
7 of 9
a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain
Historical Context
Israel's history showed repeated instances of leaders losing discernment (e.g., Rehoboam's foolish counsel, 1 Kings 12). Ancient Near Eastern texts rarely attributed leadership failure to divine judgment, preferring explanations like omens or fate.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you seen leaders wander without direction, and how might this reflect divine judgment?
- How does God's removal of understanding explain otherwise inexplicable leadership failures?
- What should our response be when witnessing leaders who lack wisdom?
Analysis & Commentary
God takes away the understanding of leaders and makes them wander in pathless wastes. The Hebrew 'tou'eh' (wander/stagger) suggests aimless confusion—leaders without direction or purpose. God actively removes wisdom from those who should guide, causing them to lead people astray. This explains political and religious confusion—not mere human failure, but divine judgment removing understanding from the proud.