Job 21:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 21:17
17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.
Chapter Context
Job 21 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, truth, wisdom. 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 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 21:17
17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.
Analysis
Job's rhetorical question: 'How oft is the candle of the wicked put out? and how oft cometh their destruction upon them?' challenges the friends' certainty. Job observes that wicked destruction is not as frequent as claimed, undermining simplistic cause-and-effect theology.
Historical Context
The 'candle' metaphor represents life's light. Ancient observation confirmed what Job states - the wicked often die peacefully, not in calamity.
Reflection
- What do you do with observations that challenge your theology?
- How do you maintain faith when evidence seems to contradict doctrine?
Word Studies
- Wrath: אַף (Aph) H639 - Wrath, anger