Job 20:28 is part of Zophar's second speech in the Book of Job. He's arguing that the wicked, though they might prosper for a time, are ultimately doomed to destruction and punishment. Let's break down the verse:
"The increase of his house shall depart." This refers to the wealth, prosperity, and descendants of the wicked person. "Increase" can encompass family, possessions, and any kind of gain. The verse is stating that all these things accumulated will be taken away. Their prosperity is fleeting and will not endure.
"They shall rush away in the day of his wrath." This speaks of the impending judgment and punishment from God. "The day of his wrath" is a common biblical phrase referring to a time when God's justice will be revealed and the wicked will face consequences. The "they" in this case most likely refers to either the wicked person themselves or their ill-gotten gains. Either way, they will be suddenly and forcefully swept away by God's judgment, unable to hold onto their possessions or escape punishment.
In Summary:
The verse is a stark warning about the fate of the wicked. Their wealth and prosperity are temporary and will be snatched away when God's judgment comes. They, along with their ill-gotten gains, will be swept away by God's anger.
Context and Interpretation:
It is important to note that the Book of Job is a complex exploration of suffering and divine justice. While Zophar confidently asserts this principle of retribution (the wicked are always punished), the book as a whole challenges such simplistic assumptions. Job, who is righteous, suffers greatly, and the book ultimately suggests that God's ways are beyond human understanding.
Therefore, while this verse expresses a common theme in ancient wisdom literature, it should be read within the broader context of Job's story, which questions whether such direct cause-and-effect always holds true. It highlights the danger of placing too much emphasis on material success as a sign of God's favor or suffering as a sign of God's disfavor.
Job 20:28 is part of Zophar's second speech in the Book of Job. He's arguing that the wicked, though they might prosper for a time, are ultimately doomed to destruction and punishment. Let's break down the verse:
"The increase of his house shall depart." This refers to the wealth, prosperity, and descendants of the wicked person. "Increase" can encompass family, possessions, and any kind of gain. The verse is stating that all these things accumulated will be taken away. Their prosperity is fleeting and will not endure.
"They shall rush away in the day of his wrath." This speaks of the impending judgment and punishment from God. "The day of his wrath" is a common biblical phrase referring to a time when God's justice will be revealed and the wicked will face consequences. The "they" in this case most likely refers to either the wicked person themselves or their ill-gotten gains. Either way, they will be suddenly and forcefully swept away by God's judgment, unable to hold onto their possessions or escape punishment.
In Summary:
The verse is a stark warning about the fate of the wicked. Their wealth and prosperity are temporary and will be snatched away when God's judgment comes. They, along with their ill-gotten gains, will be swept away by God's anger.
Context and Interpretation:
It is important to note that the Book of Job is a complex exploration of suffering and divine justice. While Zophar confidently asserts this principle of retribution (the wicked are always punished), the book as a whole challenges such simplistic assumptions. Job, who is righteous, suffers greatly, and the book ultimately suggests that God's ways are beyond human understanding.
Therefore, while this verse expresses a common theme in ancient wisdom literature, it should be read within the broader context of Job's story, which questions whether such direct cause-and-effect always holds true. It highlights the danger of placing too much emphasis on material success as a sign of God's favor or suffering as a sign of God's disfavor.