Job 20:22
In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.
Original Language Analysis
בִּמְלֹ֣אות
In the fulness
H4390
בִּמְלֹ֣אות
In the fulness
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
1 of 8
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
יֵ֣צֶר
he shall be in straits
H3334
יֵ֣צֶר
he shall be in straits
Strong's:
H3334
Word #:
3 of 8
to press (intransitive), i.e., be narrow; figuratively, be in distress
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יַ֖ד
every hand
H3027
יַ֖ד
every hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 8
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern texts recognized that prosperity could precede downfall (Daniel's interpretation of Belshazzar's feast). However, assuming all sudden reversals indicate prior wickedness oversimplifies divine providence. Job's story explicitly shows righteous suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we interpret sudden reversals without assuming they always indicate prior sin?
- What does Job's story teach about Satan's role in attacking the righteous?
- How does prosperity sometimes set us up for trials that test whether we love God or His gifts?
Analysis & Commentary
Prosperity brings judgment: 'In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.' At the peak of prosperity, trouble strikes—the Hebrew 'metsuqah' (straits/distress) suggests being trapped. 'Every hand' attacking suggests comprehensive assault. This describes sudden reversal, which did happen to Job—but not because of wickedness. Satan's attack, not divine judgment for sin, caused Job's reversal.