Job 18:9
The gin shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him.
Original Language Analysis
יֹאחֵ֣ז
shall take
H270
יֹאחֵ֣ז
shall take
Strong's:
H270
Word #:
1 of 6
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
בְּעָקֵ֣ב
him by the heel
H6119
בְּעָקֵ֣ב
him by the heel
Strong's:
H6119
Word #:
2 of 6
a heel (as protuberant); hence, a track; figuratively, the rear (of an army)
יַחֲזֵ֖ק
shall prevail
H2388
יַחֲזֵ֖ק
shall prevail
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
4 of 6
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
Historical Context
Ancient hunters used multiple trap types—gins (spring traps), nets, pits. Robbers added human threat to natural dangers. Bildad's piling up of dangers emphasizes how the wicked face converging judgment, but wrongly assumes all multi-faceted suffering indicates wickedness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do sin's consequences compound and converge, making escape increasingly difficult?
- What purposes for suffering exist beyond punishment for personal sin?
- How does God's sovereign purposes transform how we interpret converging difficulties?
Analysis & Commentary
Multiple traps await: 'The gin shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him.' The gin (trap) catches the heel while robbers attack—multiple dangers converging. Bildad multiplies traps to emphasize the wicked's inescapability. While true that persistent sin creates compounding consequences, this doesn't explain all suffering. Bildad's mechanical application ignores divine purposes beyond punishment—testing, refining, displaying God's glory.