Job 21:9

Authorized King James Version

Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּתֵּיהֶ֣ם
Their houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#2
שָׁל֣וֹם
are safe
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#3
מִפָּ֑חַד
from fear
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
#4
וְלֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
שֵׁ֖בֶט
neither is the rod
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#6
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
of God
a deity or the deity
#7
עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection