Job 18:20
They that come after him shall be astonied at his day, as they that went before were affrighted.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
י֭וֹמוֹ
at his day
H3117
י֭וֹמוֹ
at his day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 7
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
נָשַׁ֣מּוּ
him shall be astonied
H8074
נָשַׁ֣מּוּ
him shall be astonied
Strong's:
H8074
Word #:
3 of 7
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
אַחֲרֹנִ֑ים
They that come after
H314
אַחֲרֹנִ֑ים
They that come after
Strong's:
H314
Word #:
4 of 7
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
וְ֝קַדְמֹנִ֗ים
as they that went before
H6931
וְ֝קַדְמֹנִ֗ים
as they that went before
Strong's:
H6931
Word #:
5 of 7
(of time) anterior or (of place) oriental
Cross References
Psalms 37:13The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.Jeremiah 50:27Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.Ezekiel 21:25And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end,
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern texts often referred to past examples as warnings (Sodom, Korah's rebellion). Bildad assumes Job will join such examples—famous for receiving judgment. Scripture indeed remembers Job, but as model of perseverance (James 5:11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's actual legacy (model of faithfulness) contradict his friends' predictions?
- What does this teach about our inability to discern God's ultimate purposes in present suffering?
- How should awareness of our limited perspective make us cautious about explaining others' suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked become objects of horror: 'They that come after him shall be astonied at his day, as they that went before were affrighted.' Future and past generations alike react with horror to the wicked's fate. The Hebrew 'shamem' (astonished/appalled) suggests stunned horror. Bildad predicts Job will become cautionary tale—exactly what his friends have attempted to make him. Ironically, Job does become example, but of faithfulness under trial, not wickedness judged.