The Book of Job, Chapter 20 summary
Chapter 20 of 42 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 20, Zophar the Naamathite answers a rebuke by declaring that wicked people enjoy success only briefly before God destroys their wealth and security. He presents their suffering as punishment for oppression, using images of poisoned food, weapons, fire, and possessions swept away.
What happens
- Zophar says a rebuke troubles him and drives him to answer quickly.
- He appeals to ancient knowledge that wicked people briefly prosper before disappearing and leaving their children to repay the poor.
- He compares cherished wickedness and swallowed wealth to food that becomes deadly poison.
- He says oppression and the seizure of another person’s house bring repayment, distress, and God’s anger.
- He describes weapons, darkness, and fire destroying the wicked person while heaven and earth expose his guilt.
- He closes by declaring that God assigns this fate to the wicked.
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In this chapter
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What wrongdoing does Zophar connect with the loss of wealth?
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