Job 34:24

Authorized King James Version

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He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.

Original Language Analysis

יָרֹ֣עַ He shall break in pieces H7489
יָרֹ֣עַ He shall break in pieces
Strong's: H7489
Word #: 1 of 7
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
כַּבִּירִ֣ים mighty men H3524
כַּבִּירִ֣ים mighty men
Strong's: H3524
Word #: 2 of 7
vast, whether in extent (figuratively, of power, mighty; of time, aged), or in number, many
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חֵ֑קֶר without number H2714
חֵ֑קֶר without number
Strong's: H2714
Word #: 4 of 7
examination, enumeration, deliberation
וַיַּעֲמֵ֖ד and set H5975
וַיַּעֲמֵ֖ד and set
Strong's: H5975
Word #: 5 of 7
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
אֲחֵרִ֣ים others H312
אֲחֵרִ֣ים others
Strong's: H312
Word #: 6 of 7
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
תַּחְתָּֽם׃ H8478
תַּחְתָּֽם׃
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 7 of 7
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Analysis & Commentary

He shall break in pieces mighty men without number (יָרֹעַ כַּבִּירִים לֹא־חֵקֶר)—The verb yaro'a means to shatter, break, or crush, depicting violent overthrow. Kabbirim denotes the mighty, powerful, or numerous—those who seem unassailable by human standards. Lo-cheqer (without investigation/number) indicates God needs no lengthy trial or evidence-gathering; His knowledge is immediate and comprehensive. This echoes Daniel 2:21's declaration that God 'removeth kings, and setteth up kings.'

And set others in their stead (וַיַּעֲמֵד אֲחֵרִים תַּחְתָּם)—The causative verb ya'amed (to cause to stand) shows God's sovereignty extends beyond judgment to appointment of successors. Tachtam (in their place/stead) emphasizes complete replacement. God's government operates independently of human power structures—He deposes and installs rulers according to His purposes. First Samuel 2:7-8 expresses this principle: 'The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.' No earthly might secures position against divine will.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern monarchs claimed divine right and portrayed themselves as eternal, unshakeable powers. Palace inscriptions boasted of permanent dynasties. Elihu's theology directly challenged this ideology, insisting even the mightiest rulers exist at God's pleasure and can be instantly removed. Historical examples abound: Nebuchadnezzar's humbling (Daniel 4), Belshazzar's fall (Daniel 5), and countless forgotten empires validate this principle.

Questions for Reflection