Job 24
Outward Prosperity of the Wicked.In this chapter, Job questions why wicked people often seem to prosper and escape judgment in this life. He points out that even though God knows everything and sees all times, the righteous often do not see the day when God judges the wicked. Job believes that God is in control, but it is sometimes a mystery why justice is delayed. He observes that both powerful oppressors and violent robbers can succeed for a time, yet God allows this for reasons we do not always understand.v. 1: Job says, Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days? . He knows that God is aware of every time and season, but even those who are close to God do not always see when He will judge the wicked (Ecclesiastes 3:15; Psalm 94:6-7 a; Acts 15:18 b). v. 2-4: Job describes how some people act as tyrants. Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof. They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge. They turn the needy out of the way (Job 24:2-4 c). These wicked people steal land and property, mistreat the poor and helpless, and force the needy away, leaving them without help (Deuteronomy 19:14; 2 Samuel 12:4 d). – – v. 5-8: He also talks about robbers and violent people. Behold, as wild asses in the desert, they go forth to their work...they cause the naked to lodge without clothing, that they have no covering in the cold, they are wet with the showers of the mountains (Job 24:5-8 e). These robbers live wild lives, stealing and harming others, leaving their victims with nothing, exposed to hunger and cold (Genesis 16:12; Job 39:6 f). – – – v. 9-11: Job continues, They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor...they take away the sheaf from the hungry (Job 24:9-11 g). He shows how cruel these people can be, even taking children from their mothers and stealing food from the hungry (Nehemiah 5:5 h). – – v. 12: He adds, Men groan from out of the city, and the soul of the wounded cries out: yet God lays not folly to them . Even in cities, there is injustice and suffering, but God often does not immediately punish these wicked people (Jeremiah 17:11; Luke 12:20 i). Present Impunity of Transgressors.In this section, Job describes sinners who seem to escape punishment because they hide their evil deeds. These people rebel against the light, both literally and spiritually. They sin in secret, thinking they can avoid consequences, but they ignore the truth that God sees everything. Job explains the actions of three types of sinners: murderers, adulterers, and thieves. He highlights their constant fear of being discovered, showing how sin leads to shame and misery.v. 13: Job says, They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof . These sinners reject the light of truth and conscience. They prefer darkness, both spiritually and physically, to hide their evil deeds (John 3:20 j). v. 14: He describes murderers who strike at the break of day. The murderer rising with the light kills the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief . They wake up early to commit crimes, targeting the helpless for small gains. Their eagerness to do evil should shame us into being just as eager to do good. v. 15: Adulterers wait for the twilight to hide their sin. The eye also of the adulterer waits for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguises his face . Even the most shameless sinners try to hide their immoral actions, showing that sin brings shame (Ephesians 5:12; Proverbs 6:24-25 k). v. 16: Job talks about thieves who plan their crimes by day and carry them out at night. In the dark they dig through houses, which they had marked for themselves in the day: they know not the light . These burglars use the cover of darkness to break into homes, thinking they will not be caught (Luke 12:39 l). v. 17: Finally, Job describes the fear that haunts these sinners. For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one knows them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death . The light of day, which is a joy to honest people, is terrifying to them because it exposes their deeds. They fear being discovered by others but fail to fear God, whose eyes are always on them (Job 34:22 m). Ultimate Ruin of the Wicked.In this final part of his speech, Job describes how, although wicked people may seem to prosper for a while and even die peacefully, their end is ruin. He gives examples of different kinds of cruel people—pirates, oppressors, and those who frighten others with their violence. Job says that even if these people live in safety for a time, their wickedness will be forgotten and their pride will be destroyed. In the end, their death leads to shame and loss, not real honor. Job challenges anyone to prove him wrong, showing his confidence in what he says.v. 18: Job says, He is swift upon the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholds not the way of the vineyards . This may refer to pirates or robbers who move quickly, avoiding honest work like farming. They choose a life of crime instead of honest labor. v. 19: He explains how easily such people pass away. Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so does the grave those who have sinned . Just as melted snow disappears, so wicked people are taken away by death. v. 20: Job says, The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree . When these people die, they are soon forgotten, and any honor they gained from their evil deeds disappears. Their wicked plans are broken and lost. v. 21: Job speaks against those who are cruel to the helpless. He evil entreats the barren that beareth not: and does not good to the widow . Some people even oppress those who cannot defend themselves, like childless women and widows, adding to their suffering (Psalm 127:5 n). v. 22: He describes violent people who are dangerous even to the strong. He draws also the mighty with his power: he rises up, and no man is sure of life (Job 24:22; Genesis 16:12 o). These people become a terror to everyone, but their strength cannot protect them forever. v. 23: Job observes, Though it be given him to be in safety, whereon he rests; yet his eyes are upon their ways . Sometimes God allows the wicked to live in safety for a while, but God still watches and knows everything they do. v. 24: He says, They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn . Their success is only temporary. In the end, they are brought down, just like anyone else, and their power is cut off (Ecclesiastes 8:10 p). v. 25: Job finishes by challenging his friends. If it be not so now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth? (Job 24:25 q). He is confident that his words are true and invites anyone to prove him wrong.
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