Job 15:28
And he dwelleth in desolate cities, and in houses which no man inhabiteth, which are ready to become heaps.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁכּ֤וֹן׀
And he dwelleth
H7931
וַיִּשְׁכּ֤וֹן׀
And he dwelleth
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
1 of 10
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
עָ֘רִ֤ים
cities
H5892
עָ֘רִ֤ים
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
2 of 10
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
נִכְחָד֗וֹת
in desolate
H3582
נִכְחָד֗וֹת
in desolate
Strong's:
H3582
Word #:
3 of 10
to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy
בָּ֭תִּים
and in houses
H1004
בָּ֭תִּים
and in houses
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 10
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵ֣שְׁבוּ
which no man inhabiteth
H3427
יֵ֣שְׁבוּ
which no man inhabiteth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Ancient Near East contained many ruined cities—archaeological tells mark former civilizations. These ruins were often viewed as under curse or divine judgment. Inhabiting such places suggested desperation or participation in the original inhabitants' guilt.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we interpret physical location and circumstances as they relate to spiritual state?
- What dangers arise from assuming external circumstances always reflect internal spiritual reality?
- How does the Gospel transform how we view those in desolate circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked dwell in desolation: 'And he dwelleth in desolate cities, and in houses which no man inhabiteth, which are ready to become heaps.' Eliphaz predicts the wicked will inhabit ruins—living in places under divine judgment or curse. Ancient cities lay desolate due to conquest or curse (Jeremiah's prophecies about Babylon, Edom). Living there suggested participation in their judgment. This doesn't fit Job—he lost his home to calamity, not divine curse.