Job 20:5

"Don’t you know this from old time, since man was placed on earth,"

Key Reflection

The opening phrase "Don’t you know this from old time, since man was placed on earth" sets a reflective tone, suggesting that the truth being spoken is something that has been known and experienced throughout history. This statement by Zophar, one of Job’s friends, implies that the nature of human triumph and joy in wickedness is not new or unique to Job's current situation but rather a recurring pattern observed since humanity was created. The verse hints at a cyclical understanding of human behavior and its consequences, rooted in the long history of mankind.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

That the triumphing -The word “triumphing” here (רננהrenânâh),” shouting, rejoicing” - such a shouting as people make after a victory, or such as occurred at the close of harvesting. Here it means that the occasion which the wicked had for rejoicing would be brief. It would be but for a moment, and he then would be overwhelmed with calamity or cut off by death. Short -Margin, as in Hebrew “from near.” That is, it would be soon over. And the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? -This probably means, as used by Zophar, that the happiness of a hypocrite would be brief - referring to the happiness arising from the possession of health, life, property, friends, reputation.

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