Job 27:20

"He lies down rich, but he will not do so again. He opens his eyes, and he is not."

Key Reflection

In Job 27:20, the speaker envisions a scenario where someone lies down in wealth and comfort but wakes up to find that prosperity has vanished. This vivid imagery likely resonated with ancient Near Eastern audiences who were familiar with the precarious nature of wealth and status. The abrupt transition from richness to destitution would have underscored the fleeting and uncertain nature of earthly possessions, challenging listeners to seek true enduring value beyond material wealth.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Terrors-take hold on him as waters -That is, as suddenly and violently as angry floods; compare the notes atJob 18:14. A tempest stealeth him away -He is suddenly cut off by the wrath of God. A tempest comes upon him as unexpectedly as a thief or robber comes at night. Death is often represented as coming upon man with the silence of a thief, or the sudden violence of a robber at midnight; see the note atJob 21:17; compareMatthew 24:42-44.

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