Job 21:17 - Job: God will Punish the Wicked

How often is the lamp of the wicked put out?
In biblical literature, the "lamp" often symbolizes life, prosperity, or guidance. The imagery of a lamp being extinguished suggests the end of life or the cessation of prosperity. In the context of Job, this question challenges the assumption that the wicked always face immediate judgment. The "lamp" of the wicked being put out is a metaphor for their eventual downfall, but Job questions the frequency and timing of this event. This reflects the broader theme of theodicy in the book, where the righteous suffer while the wicked seem to prosper. The imagery is also seen in Proverbs 13:9, where the light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out, indicating eventual divine justice.

Does disaster come upon them?
This phrase questions the immediate retribution of the wicked. In the cultural and historical context of the Ancient Near East, there was a prevalent belief in retributive justice, where good was rewarded, and evil was punished swiftly. Job's rhetorical question challenges this belief, as he observes that the wicked often live in peace and prosperity without immediate disaster. This is a central theme in Job, contrasting with the views of his friends who insist that suffering is a direct result of personal sin. The question also echoes the sentiments found in Psalm 73, where the psalmist struggles with the prosperity of the wicked.

Does God, in His anger, apportion destruction?
This phrase addresses the role of divine justice and the timing of God's judgment. The concept of God apportioning destruction in His anger suggests a deliberate and measured response to wickedness. However, Job's experience and observations lead him to question the consistency and timing of this divine retribution. Theologically, this raises questions about God's sovereignty and justice, themes that are explored throughout the book. The idea of God apportioning destruction is also seen in prophetic literature, such as in Isaiah 13:9, where God's wrath leads to the destruction of the wicked. This phrase invites reflection on the nature of divine justice and the mystery of God's timing in dealing with human sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who undergoes severe trials and questions the justice of God in the face of suffering.

2. The Wicked
A general term used to describe those who live in opposition to God's ways, often experiencing temporary prosperity.

3. God
The sovereign Creator who is questioned by Job regarding the justice and timing of His judgments.

4. Disaster and Destruction
Events or outcomes that are seen as divine retribution or judgment upon the wicked.

5. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who argue that suffering is a direct result of personal sin, a view Job challenges.

Teaching Points

The Mystery of Divine Justice
God's timing and methods of justice are often beyond human understanding. We must trust in His ultimate wisdom and righteousness.

The Temporary Nature of Wicked Prosperity
The prosperity of the wicked is fleeting. Believers should focus on eternal values rather than temporary success.

Patience in Suffering
Like Job, we may not always understand our suffering, but we are called to remain faithful and patient, trusting in God's plan.

The Role of Faith in Uncertainty
Faith involves trusting God even when His actions or timing seem unclear. This trust is foundational to a believer's life.

The Importance of Righteous Living
While the wicked may prosper temporarily, a life lived in righteousness aligns with God's eternal purposes and promises.

(17) How oft is the candle of the wicked put out?--This and the following verse are either a concession on the part of Job, as much as to say, "I admit that it is as you say with the wicked;" or else they should be read interrogatively, "How often is it that we do see this? "

Verse 17. - How oft is the candle of the wicked put out? This is not an exclamation, but a question, and is well rendered in the Revised Version, "How oft is it that the lamp of the wicked is put out?" Is not the signal downfall of the wicked prosperous man a comparatively rare occur-fence? How oft cometh their destruction upon them*. When the problem here propounded came before Asaph, he seems to have solved it by the supposition that in all cases retribution visited the wicked in this life, and that they were cast down from their prosperity. "I went," he says, "into the sanctuary of God; then understood I the end of these men. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image" (Psalm 73:17-20). Job maintains that such a catastrophe happens but seldom, and that for the most part the wicked go down to the grave in peace. God distributeth sorrows in his anger. This is hot an independent clause. The sense runs on: How off is it that the candle of the wicked is put out and that destruction cometh upon them and God showers sorrows upon them in his anger? (compare the comment on the next verse). Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

How often
כַּמָּ֤ה ׀ (kam·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

is the lamp
נֵר־ (nêr-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5216: A lamp, light

of the wicked
רְשָׁ֘עִ֤ים (rə·šā·‘îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

put out?
יִדְעָ֗ךְ (yiḏ·‘āḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1846: To be extinguished, to expire, be dried up

Does disaster
אֵידָ֑ם (’ê·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 343: Oppression, misfortune, ruin

come
וְיָבֹ֣א (wə·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

upon them?
עָלֵ֣ימוֹ (‘ā·lê·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Does [God,] in His anger,
בְּאַפּֽוֹ׃ (bə·’ap·pōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

apportion
יְחַלֵּ֥ק (yə·ḥal·lêq)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2505: To be smooth, to apportion, separate

destruction?
חֲ֝בָלִ֗ים (ḥă·ḇā·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2256: A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin

Links

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Job 21:17 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Job 21:17 How often is it that the lamp (Jb)