Job 34:25
Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
יַ֭כִּיר
Therefore he knoweth
H5234
יַ֭כִּיר
Therefore he knoweth
Strong's:
H5234
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
וְהָ֥פַךְ
and he overturneth
H2015
וְהָ֥פַךְ
and he overturneth
Strong's:
H2015
Word #:
4 of 6
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
Historical Context
Ancient rulers relied on night security, posting guards and trusting darkness for protection. Elihu's emphasis on nighttime overthrow highlights divine justice's unstoppable nature—even maximum human precaution cannot prevent it. Night also symbolizes moral darkness, suggesting the wicked are overthrown in the very darkness (ignorance, evil) they inhabited. This motif appears throughout Scripture, from Egypt's plagues to Gideon's midnight victory (Judges 7).
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God intimately knows all deeds affect your daily choices and hidden actions?
- What does the suddenness of divine judgment ('in the night') teach about the danger of presuming on God's patience?
- How can we maintain holy fear of God's oversight while resting in the grace available through Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore he knoweth their works (לָכֵן יַכִּיר מַעְבָּדֵיהֶם)—The verb yakir means intimate knowledge, recognition, or discernment—not mere awareness but penetrating understanding of motives and deeds. Ma'badeihem (their works/deeds) refers to actions and their underlying character. God's knowledge isn't superficial observation but complete comprehension of heart and hand. This connects to Psalm 33:15: 'He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.'
And he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed (וְהָפַךְ לַיְלָה וְיִדַּכָּאוּ)—The verb haphakh (to overturn, overthrow) depicts sudden, catastrophic reversal. Laylah (night) suggests unexpected timing when humans feel secure. Yidakka'u (they are crushed/destroyed) uses the passive, showing divine agency indirectly—God arranges circumstances for judgment. Historical examples include Pharaoh's army destroyed at the Red Sea (Exodus 14), Sennacherib's army decimated overnight (2 Kings 19:35), and Belshazzar killed the night Babylon fell (Daniel 5:30). Divine justice often comes suddenly upon those who presume security in wickedness.