Job 20:17, "He shall not look at the rivers, the flowing streams of honey and butter," is part of Zophar's speech to Job. Zophar is trying to explain why the wicked ultimately suffer, and this verse contributes to his description of the fleeting nature of ill-gotten gains. To understand the meaning, we need to consider the context and symbolism:
Context: Zophar is arguing that the wicked may enjoy temporary success, but their enjoyment is superficial and short-lived. They accumulate wealth through oppression and exploitation.
Symbolism: "Rivers, the flowing streams of honey and butter":
Rivers and Flowing Streams: Represent abundance, prosperity, and the good things in life. The imagery evokes a land of plenty and luxury.
Honey and Butter: These are especially rich and desirable foods in ancient Near Eastern culture, symbolizing sweetness, luxury, and richness. They represent the best of what life has to offer.
"He shall not look at...": This phrase indicates that the wicked person will not truly enjoy or benefit from these riches. This lack of enjoyment can stem from various reasons:
Loss of possessions: The wealth may be taken away from them.
Inability to enjoy: Their greed and anxiety may prevent them from savoring the good things they possess. They are so consumed with acquiring more that they can't appreciate what they have.
Physical inability due to sickness: Due to sickness, they may be not to taste any type of food
Therefore, the verse likely means:
The wicked person, despite their accumulation of wealth and luxury, will not genuinely enjoy or derive lasting satisfaction from it. They may lose their wealth, or their character flaws (greed, anxiety, ruthlessness) will prevent them from appreciating the good things in life. The verse highlights the idea that material possessions, especially when acquired through wicked means, do not bring true happiness or fulfillment. Their time of enjoyment will be short.
In essence, Zophar is saying that the outward appearance of prosperity for the wicked is deceptive. In reality, they are missing out on the true benefits and pleasures of life, even though surrounded by abundance.
Job 20:17, "He shall not look at the rivers, the flowing streams of honey and butter," is part of Zophar's speech to Job. Zophar is trying to explain why the wicked ultimately suffer, and this verse contributes to his description of the fleeting nature of ill-gotten gains. To understand the meaning, we need to consider the context and symbolism:
Context: Zophar is arguing that the wicked may enjoy temporary success, but their enjoyment is superficial and short-lived. They accumulate wealth through oppression and exploitation.
Symbolism: "Rivers, the flowing streams of honey and butter":
Rivers and Flowing Streams: Represent abundance, prosperity, and the good things in life. The imagery evokes a land of plenty and luxury.
Honey and Butter: These are especially rich and desirable foods in ancient Near Eastern culture, symbolizing sweetness, luxury, and richness. They represent the best of what life has to offer.
"He shall not look at...": This phrase indicates that the wicked person will not truly enjoy or benefit from these riches. This lack of enjoyment can stem from various reasons:
Loss of possessions: The wealth may be taken away from them.
Inability to enjoy: Their greed and anxiety may prevent them from savoring the good things they possess. They are so consumed with acquiring more that they can't appreciate what they have.
Physical inability due to sickness: Due to sickness, they may be not to taste any type of food
Therefore, the verse likely means:
The wicked person, despite their accumulation of wealth and luxury, will not genuinely enjoy or derive lasting satisfaction from it. They may lose their wealth, or their character flaws (greed, anxiety, ruthlessness) will prevent them from appreciating the good things in life. The verse highlights the idea that material possessions, especially when acquired through wicked means, do not bring true happiness or fulfillment. Their time of enjoyment will be short.
In essence, Zophar is saying that the outward appearance of prosperity for the wicked is deceptive. In reality, they are missing out on the true benefits and pleasures of life, even though surrounded by abundance.