Job 20:17

"He will suck cobra venom. The viper’s tongue will kill him."

Key Reflection

In Job 20:17, Bildad, one of Job's friends, uses a vivid metaphor to describe the severe consequences Job is facing. He suggests that Job will suffer from snakebites, which were feared as deadly in ancient Near Eastern culture due to the belief in venomous snakes like cobras and vipers. This imagery underscores the intensity of the suffering Job is experiencing, highlighting the severity of his trials beyond just physical pain, reflecting the harsh realities of life during that time.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

He shall not see the rivers -That is, he shall not be permitted to enjoy plenty and prosperity. Rivers or rills of honey and butter are emblems of prosperity; compareExodus 3:17;Job 29:6. A land flowing with milk, honey, and butter, is, in the Scripture, the highest image of prosperity and happiness. The word rendered “rivers” (פלגהpelaggâh), means rather “rivulets small streams - or brooks,” such as were made by “dividing” a large stream (fromפלגpâlag, to “cleave, divide”), and would properly be applied to canals made by separating a large stream, or dividing it into numerous watercourses for the purpose of irrigating lands.

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