Job 27:22 is part of Job's continued speech about the fate of the wicked. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"For it hurls at him...": "It" likely refers to the east wind (a hot, destructive wind common in the Middle East, often associated with divine judgment). It's being personified as a force that attacks the wicked person.
"...and does not spare...": This emphasizes the severity and relentlessness of the attack. There's no mercy or reprieve; the force is completely unforgiving.
"...as he flees away from his hand.": Even as the wicked man tries to escape the east wind (and, symbolically, the judgment and calamity it represents), he cannot. The destruction is unavoidable and pursues him relentlessly. "His hand" could refer to the east wind itself or, more figuratively, to God's hand bringing about the judgment.
In Summary
The verse vividly describes the relentless and inescapable punishment of the wicked. They are pursued by calamity (represented by the destructive east wind) that gives them no rest or escape, reflecting the idea that their wickedness ultimately catches up with them. The phrase can also be interpreted as the wicked person trying to run from God or from the consequences of their actions, but finding no refuge.
Context within Job's Argument
Job, despite his own suffering, is maintaining the traditional view that the wicked are ultimately punished. In this section of his speech, he describes the terrible fate that awaits those who act unjustly. This verse contributes to that overall picture of inevitable judgment.
Job 27:22 is part of Job's continued speech about the fate of the wicked. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"For it hurls at him...": "It" likely refers to the east wind (a hot, destructive wind common in the Middle East, often associated with divine judgment). It's being personified as a force that attacks the wicked person.
"...and does not spare...": This emphasizes the severity and relentlessness of the attack. There's no mercy or reprieve; the force is completely unforgiving.
"...as he flees away from his hand.": Even as the wicked man tries to escape the east wind (and, symbolically, the judgment and calamity it represents), he cannot. The destruction is unavoidable and pursues him relentlessly. "His hand" could refer to the east wind itself or, more figuratively, to God's hand bringing about the judgment.
In Summary
The verse vividly describes the relentless and inescapable punishment of the wicked. They are pursued by calamity (represented by the destructive east wind) that gives them no rest or escape, reflecting the idea that their wickedness ultimately catches up with them. The phrase can also be interpreted as the wicked person trying to run from God or from the consequences of their actions, but finding no refuge.
Context within Job's Argument
Job, despite his own suffering, is maintaining the traditional view that the wicked are ultimately punished. In this section of his speech, he describes the terrible fate that awaits those who act unjustly. This verse contributes to that overall picture of inevitable judgment.