Job 18:12
His strength shall be hungerbitten, and destruction shall be ready at his side.
Original Language Analysis
יְהִי
H1961
יְהִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
Ancient understanding recognized that hunger and deprivation weakened people physically and mentally. Besieged cities experienced this progressive weakening. Bildad applies siege imagery to individual judgment, assuming Job's condition indicates such divine siege.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish suffering that results from our choices versus suffering that comes from external attack?
- What does Job's story teach about Satan's role in suffering beyond simple punishment?
- How does understanding spiritual warfare transform our interpretation of trials?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked's strength fails: 'His strength shall be hungerbitten, and destruction shall be ready at his side.' Hunger-bitten strength suggests weakening from deprivation—vigor sapped by lack. Destruction stands ready, waiting to strike. Bildad describes comprehensive weakness and imminent danger. While applicable to some wicked, this doesn't explain Job's situation. Job's losses came suddenly through Satan's attacks, not gradual weakening from sin-caused deprivation.