Job 34:26
He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;
Original Language Analysis
תַּֽחַת
them as
H8478
תַּֽחַת
them as
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
1 of 5
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
רְשָׁעִ֥ים
wicked men
H7563
רְשָׁעִ֥ים
wicked men
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 5
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
סְפָקָ֗ם
He striketh
H5606
סְפָקָ֗ם
He striketh
Strong's:
H5606
Word #:
3 of 5
to clap the hands (in token of compact, derision, grief, indignation, or punishment); by implication of satisfaction, to be enough; by implication of
Historical Context
Public execution and humiliation were standard in ancient judicial systems. Criminals were executed at city gates, hung on display, or their bodies exposed as warnings. This cultural context helps understand biblical justice imagery—not as primitive cruelty but as pedagogical demonstration that moral order exists and violations bring consequences. God's public judgment of the wicked (Pharaoh, Korah, Achan) taught Israel and surrounding nations about divine holiness and justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does public exposure of wickedness serve God's purposes in demonstrating moral order?
- What does this verse teach about the importance of visible consequences for sin in deterring evil?
- How should believers balance this Old Testament principle with New Testament teachings on mercy and restoration?
Analysis & Commentary
He striketh them as wicked men (סְפָקָם כִּרְשָׁעִים)—The verb saphaq means to clap, strike, or smite, often depicting public humiliation or execution. Kireshaim (as wicked ones) emphasizes these are judged precisely according to their character—the punishment fits the crime. God's judgment publicly identifies and condemns wickedness, removing any pretense of righteousness.
In the open sight of others (בִּמְקוֹם רֹאִים)—Literally 'in a place of seeing ones,' emphasizing public visibility. Ro'im (seeing ones, watchers) indicates witnesses. Ancient Near Eastern justice emphasized public execution as deterrent and vindication—justice must be seen to restore social order. God's judgment of the wicked serves pedagogical purposes: demonstrating moral governance to observers, warning potential evildoers, vindicating the oppressed, and revealing divine character. Deuteronomy 13:11 expresses this principle: public punishment 'and all Israel shall hear, and fear.' God's justice isn't merely punitive but revelatory—it teaches moral order to watching generations.