Understanding Job 20:7

Job 20:7: "Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he?"

Overview of Job 20:7

This verse comes from the discourse of Zophar, one of Job's friends, who argues that the wicked will ultimately face ruin and destruction. The imagery of perishing like dung signifies a total loss of worth and recognition, emphasizing the fleeting nature of the wicked's success and existence.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

In synthesizing the insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the verse.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

According to Matthew Henry, Zophar's declaration illustrates the ultimate fate awaiting the wicked. He emphasizes that earthly prosperity is transient and will result in despair, likening the destruction of the wicked to the inevitable disappearance of dung, which is despised and discarded.

Albert Barnes' Notes

Albert Barnes points out that the phrase "he shall perish for ever" stresses the irrevocability of the judgment that befalls the wicked. Barnes notes that those who have experienced the downfall of the wicked will be surprised and unable to find trace of their former glory, underscoring the emptiness of their previous pursuits.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke delves deeper into the metaphor of perishing like dung, suggesting that it speaks to the concepts of disgrace and ignominy. Clarke emphasizes that this verse signifies not only physical death but a complete rejection from societal memory, highlighting the fleeting nature of a wicked person's life and impact.

Bible Verse Cross-References

• Psalm 37:20: "But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away."
• Proverbs 10:27: "The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened."
• Ecclesiastes 8:13: "But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God."
• Matthew 7:13-14: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat."
• Luke 16:25: "But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented."
• Galatians 6:7: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
• 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9: "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

Job 20:7 connects with various themes throughout Scripture that address the fate of the wicked:

• Justice and Judgment: The ultimate justice God exhibits against the wicked is a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testaments.
• Transience of Life: The fleeting success of the wicked is depicted in various Psalms and Proverbs.
• Divine Retribution: The promise of divine punishment for wrongdoing is expressed in numerous prophetic writings.

Comparative Bible Verse Analysis

Analyzing Job 20:7 in relation to other scriptures enhances our understanding of its meaning:

When connecting Job 20:7 with Psalm 1:6, where the way of the wicked is contrasted with the righteous, we see a clear delineation of outcomes based on one's choices.

Similarly, Proverbs 14:32 reinforces the notion of the wicked's downfall as a consequence of their actions, elaborating on the same theme addressed in Job.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

To explore cross-references for Job 20:7 effectively, using tools like:

• Bible Concordance: A helpful tool for finding words and their occurrences throughout the Bible.
• Bible Cross-reference Guide: Various guides assist in identifying connections between scriptures.
• Bible Study Apps: Many modern applications include cross-reference features for easy access.

Conclusion

Job 20:7 serves as a stark reminder of the fate of the wicked and the temporality of their success. References across the Bible reinforce the central message of divine justice, the grievous end of those who oppose God, and the contrast between the wicked and the righteous. By engaging in contextual exploration and cross-referencing this verse, one can draw deeper insights into the existential truths that the scripture proclaims.