Job 20:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 20:29
29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.
Chapter Context
Job 20 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, sacrifice. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 20:29
29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.
Analysis
'This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.' Zophar concludes: this is the wicked's 'portion' (חֵלֶק, cheleq) from God and appointed 'heritage' (נַחֲלַת אִמְרוֹ, nachalat imro). 'Portion' and 'heritage' are covenant language, usually positive (Psalm 16:5, 73:26). Zophar inverts them: the wicked's inheritance is judgment. The theology is sound (Psalm 11:6). The application to Job is false: Job isn't receiving the wicked's portion but the righteous's testing. By calling Job's suffering the wicked's heritage, Zophar damns Job. Yet God ultimately vindicates Job and condemns Zophar's theology (42:7). This warns against presuming to know someone's eternal destiny from temporal circumstances. Only God assigns portions and heritages.
Historical Context
Inheritance and portion language was central to Israel's covenant theology. Zophar's use of this sacred language to condemn Job would have been particularly harsh, suggesting Job's covenant standing itself was false.
Reflection
- How do we avoid presuming to assign eternal portions based on temporal circumstances?
- What does it mean that suffering doesn't determine our heritage in Christ?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Evil: Job 18:21, 27:13, Lamentations 3:38
- Parallel theme: Matthew 24:51