Job 15:21, "A sound of terrors is in his ears. In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him," speaks to the anxiety and insecurity of the wicked, even when things seem to be going well for them. Let's break it down:
"A sound of terrors is in his ears." This suggests that the wicked person is constantly plagued by fear and foreboding. They are hypersensitive to any potential threats, always on edge, and unable to find peace, even when surrounded by outward success. This fear likely stems from a guilty conscience and a knowledge that their actions are wrong. It could also be a fear of divine retribution. They are always anticipating something bad happening.
"In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him." This part emphasizes the suddenness and irony of their downfall. Despite their wealth and comfort, disaster will strike. The "destroyer" refers to a force of ruin, possibly a literal destructive event, sickness, loss of wealth, or any calamity. The point is that prosperity offers no real security. Their ill-gotten gains or ungodly life won't protect them. The contrast between prosperity and destruction highlights the idea that outward success doesn't equal inner peace or true security. Their success is, in fact, a false comfort.
In summary, the verse means that the wicked, despite appearances of success, are inwardly tormented by fear and that their prosperity will not shield them from inevitable ruin. Their downfall will come at an unexpected time when they are in the midst of what seems to be a good period in their lives.
Context within Job:
It's important to remember this is from Eliphaz's speech to Job. Eliphaz is arguing that Job's suffering is proof of his wickedness. This verse is part of Eliphaz's description of the fate of the ungodly. However, it's worth noting that the book of Job ultimately challenges the simplistic equation of suffering with sin. Job's suffering is not necessarily a direct result of his own wickedness.
Job 15:21, "A sound of terrors is in his ears. In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him," speaks to the anxiety and insecurity of the wicked, even when things seem to be going well for them. Let's break it down:
"A sound of terrors is in his ears." This suggests that the wicked person is constantly plagued by fear and foreboding. They are hypersensitive to any potential threats, always on edge, and unable to find peace, even when surrounded by outward success. This fear likely stems from a guilty conscience and a knowledge that their actions are wrong. It could also be a fear of divine retribution. They are always anticipating something bad happening.
"In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him." This part emphasizes the suddenness and irony of their downfall. Despite their wealth and comfort, disaster will strike. The "destroyer" refers to a force of ruin, possibly a literal destructive event, sickness, loss of wealth, or any calamity. The point is that prosperity offers no real security. Their ill-gotten gains or ungodly life won't protect them. The contrast between prosperity and destruction highlights the idea that outward success doesn't equal inner peace or true security. Their success is, in fact, a false comfort.
In summary, the verse means that the wicked, despite appearances of success, are inwardly tormented by fear and that their prosperity will not shield them from inevitable ruin. Their downfall will come at an unexpected time when they are in the midst of what seems to be a good period in their lives.
Context within Job:
It's important to remember this is from Eliphaz's speech to Job. Eliphaz is arguing that Job's suffering is proof of his wickedness. This verse is part of Eliphaz's description of the fate of the ungodly. However, it's worth noting that the book of Job ultimately challenges the simplistic equation of suffering with sin. Job's suffering is not necessarily a direct result of his own wickedness.