Job 20:17
He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יֵ֥רֶא
He shall not see
H7200
יֵ֥רֶא
He shall not see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
נַהֲרֵ֥י
the floods
H5104
נַהֲרֵ֥י
the floods
Strong's:
H5104
Word #:
4 of 7
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
נַ֝חֲלֵ֗י
the brooks
H5158
נַ֝חֲלֵ֗י
the brooks
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
5 of 7
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's covenant promised material blessing for obedience (Deuteronomy 28). The land flowing with milk and honey represented God's generous provision. However, Job's story demonstrates that covenant theology is more complex than simple prosperity-for-righteousness formula.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we understand covenant blessing theology without falling into prosperity gospel?
- What is the difference between forfeiting blessing through wickedness versus losing blessing in trials?
- How does New Testament spiritualize Old Testament material blessing promises?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked won't enjoy prosperity: 'He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter.' Zophar describes covenant blessings—the land flowing with milk and honey—that the wicked forfeit. The imagery of rivers, floods, and brooks emphasizes abundance. While covenant theology affirms that persistent wickedness forfeits blessing, this doesn't explain Job's situation. Job lived righteously yet lost blessings.