Terrors overtake him like a flood; a tempest sweeps him away in the night. Terrors overtake himThe word "terrors" in Hebrew is "בַּעֲתוֹת" (ba'athot), which conveys a sense of sudden fear or panic. In the context of Job, these terrors are not just physical threats but also spiritual and emotional ones. Historically, the ancient Near Eastern understanding of terror often included divine retribution or judgment. Job, in his discourse, is emphasizing the overwhelming nature of divine justice that befalls the wicked. This phrase serves as a reminder of the omnipotence of God and the inevitable consequences of living a life contrary to His will. like a flood a tempest sweeps him away in the night Persons / Places / Events 1. JobThe central figure in the Book of Job, a man described as blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He undergoes severe trials and suffering, losing his wealth, children, and health. 2. Job's Friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to comfort him but end up arguing that his suffering must be due to some hidden sin. 3. God The sovereign Creator who allows Job's testing to demonstrate Job's faithfulness and to reveal deeper truths about divine justice and human suffering. 4. Satan The adversary who challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that Job is faithful only because of his prosperity and protection from God. 5. The Tempest A metaphorical representation of sudden and overwhelming disaster or judgment, often used in biblical literature to describe divine intervention or natural calamities. Teaching Points The Reality of Sudden CalamityLife can change unexpectedly, and we must be spiritually prepared for trials and tribulations. Job's experience reminds us that suffering can come without warning, like a flood or a tempest. Trusting God's Sovereignty Even when overwhelmed by life's storms, we can trust in God's ultimate control and purpose. Job's account encourages believers to maintain faith in God's goodness and justice, even when circumstances are dire. The Importance of Spiritual Foundations Just as a house must be built on a solid foundation to withstand storms, our lives must be grounded in God's Word and His promises. This foundation helps us endure when "terrors" and "tempests" come. The Role of Community in Suffering Job's friends initially came to support him, but their misguided counsel added to his distress. This highlights the importance of offering compassionate and biblically sound support to those in suffering. Eternal Perspective in Trials Earthly trials, though severe, are temporary. Job's perseverance points to the hope of eventual restoration and the eternal rewards for those who remain faithful. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Job's experience of sudden calamity challenge or reinforce your understanding of God's justice and sovereignty?2. In what ways can you prepare spiritually for unexpected trials, drawing from Job's example and other biblical teachings? 3. How can the imagery of a flood and a tempest in Job 27:20 help you understand the nature of spiritual and emotional challenges you face? 4. Reflect on a time when you or someone you know experienced a "tempest" in life. How did your faith community respond, and what can be learned from Job's friends' approach? 5. How can maintaining an eternal perspective help you endure present sufferings, and what scriptures can you meditate on to reinforce this perspective? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 18:4-5This passage describes being overwhelmed by the cords of death and torrents of destruction, similar to the imagery of being overtaken by terrors like a flood. Matthew 7:27 Jesus speaks of a house built on sand being swept away by a flood, illustrating the consequences of not building one's life on His teachings. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 Paul warns that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, bringing sudden destruction, akin to the tempest sweeping away in the night.
People JobPlaces UzTopics Carries, Fears, Flood, Hold, Overtake, Rushing, Snatches, Stealeth, Steals, Stolen, Storm, Storm-wind, Takes, Tempest, Terrors, Waters, WhirlwindDictionary of Bible Themes Job 27:16-198761 fools, in teaching of Christ Library The Touchstone of Godly SincerityWho, then, is this "wicked man," thus portrayed before us? And what are the first symptoms of his depravity? We ask not the question idly, but in order that we take heed against the uprise of such an evil in ourselves. "Beneath the saintly veil the votary of sin May lurk unseen; and to that eye alone Which penetrates the heart, may stand revealed." The hypocrite is very often an exceedingly neat imitation of the Christian. To the common observer he is so good a counterfeit that he entirely escapes … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 Whether Hypocrisy is Contrary to the virtue of Truth? On the Interior Man Wesley in St. Albans Abbey The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted. God's Sovereignty and Prayer Job Links Job 27:20 NIVJob 27:20 NLT Job 27:20 ESV Job 27:20 NASB Job 27:20 KJV Job 27:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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