Job 20-21
Dear RTB’ers,
Zophar, the third friend now offers his second speech. Nothing new here, just the standard claim that the wicked will always get their due: The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him. (v. 20:27) Unstated, but suggested is that Job is hiding his sin and that he is among those wicked and that he is suffering his just desserts.
Job says no, the wicked flourish in life and die in peace! Their houses are safe from fear, and no rod of God is upon them. They spend their days in prosperity, and in peace they go down to Sheol. (v. 21:9, 13) His friends believe that the wicked suffer in this life, “For you say, ‘Where is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked lived?’” (v. 21:28) But Job sees just the opposite, that reality shows otherwise: …that the evil man is spared in the day of calamity, that he is rescued in the day of wrath? (v. 21:30) He closes with a strong accusation against their non-friendship: How then will you comfort me with empty nothings? There is nothing left of your answers but falsehood. (v. 21:34) Ouch…!!
Blessings!
See also: