Job 12:6
The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.
Original Language Analysis
אֹֽהָלִ֨ים׀
The tabernacles
H168
אֹֽהָלִ֨ים׀
The tabernacles
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
2 of 10
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
לְשֹׁ֥דְדִ֗ים
of robbers
H7703
לְשֹׁ֥דְדִ֗ים
of robbers
Strong's:
H7703
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
לְמַרְגִּ֣יזֵי
and they that provoke
H7264
לְמַרְגִּ֣יזֵי
and they that provoke
Strong's:
H7264
Word #:
5 of 10
to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)
אֵ֑ל
God
H410
אֵ֑ל
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
6 of 10
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
לַאֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
לַאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Job's response comes in his debate with Zophar, who insisted the wicked always suffer quickly (Job 11:20). Job counters with empirical observation: the wicked often prosper throughout life. This theme—theodicy, explaining God's justice amid visible injustice—pervades wisdom literature. Ancient Near Eastern wisdom texts (like the Babylonian Theodicy) also wrestled with righteous suffering and wicked prosperity. Job's honesty about this tension prepared Israel to understand that final judgment, not immediate retribution, resolves injustice (Ecclesiastes 12:14, Revelation 20:12).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you reconcile faith in God's justice with observing the prosperity of corrupt and violent people?
- What does Job's refusal to deny obvious realities teach about honest faith versus platitudes?
Analysis & Commentary
The tabernacles of robbers prosper (יִשְׁלָיוּ אֹהָלִים לְשֹׁדְדִים, yishlayu ohalim l'shoddim)—Job's response to Zophar challenges the friends' simplistic retribution theology. The verb 'prosper' (shalah, שָׁלָה) means to be at ease, secure, or tranquil. 'Robbers' (shoddim, שֹׁדְדִים) are violent plunderers, those who destroy and pillage. Job observes that the wicked aren't merely surviving but thriving in security—their 'tabernacles' (tents, homes) are peaceful, contrary to the friends' claim that sin always brings swift judgment.
And they that provoke God are secure (וּבַטֻּחוֹת לְמַרְגִּיזֵי אֵל, uvatuchot l'margiyzei El) intensifies the paradox. Those who 'provoke' (ragaz, רָגַז) God—irritate, anger, or rebel against Him—nevertheless enjoy 'security' (batuchot, בַּטֻּחוֹת), confidence and safety. Into whose hand God bringeth abundantly (אֲשֶׁר הֵבִיא אֱלוֹהַּ לְיָדוֹ, asher hevi Eloah l'yado) completes the scandal: God Himself brings abundance into their hands. This observation echoes Psalm 73, Jeremiah 12:1, and Habakkuk 1:13—why do the wicked prosper? Job refuses pious platitudes, acknowledging reality's complexity.