It claps its hands at him and hisses him out of his place. It claps its hands at himThe phrase "it claps its hands at him" is a vivid expression of derision and scorn. In the Hebrew context, clapping hands was often a gesture of mockery or triumph over someone else's downfall. The Hebrew word for "claps" is "תִּכְפֹּ֣ץ" (tikpotz), which conveys a sense of suddenness and intensity. This imagery suggests that the forces of nature or society are rejoicing over the calamity that has befallen the wicked. In the broader scriptural context, this reflects the theme of divine justice, where the wicked ultimately face the consequences of their actions, and even creation itself seems to respond to God's righteous judgment. and hisses him out of his place Persons / Places / Events 1. JobThe central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. 2. Job's Friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to offer counsel but often misinterpret his suffering as a result of sin. 3. God The ultimate authority and sovereign being who allows Job's trials to test his faith. 4. The Wicked In this context, Job is speaking about the fate of the wicked, contrasting their temporary success with their ultimate downfall. 5. The Place of the Wicked Symbolic of the temporary and unstable position that the wicked hold, which will eventually be lost. Teaching Points The Temporary Triumph of the WickedThe wicked may experience temporary success, but it is fleeting and ultimately leads to downfall. The Sovereignty of God God is in control, and His justice will prevail. The wicked will not escape His judgment. The Importance of Righteous Living Believers are called to live righteously, trusting in God's justice and timing, rather than envying the temporary success of the wicked. Endurance in Trials Like Job, believers should remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God sees their trials and will ultimately vindicate them. The Power of Community Job's friends misunderstood his situation, reminding us of the importance of offering true, compassionate support to those in suffering. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Job 27:23 illustrate the ultimate fate of the wicked, and what does this teach us about God's justice?2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of the temporary triumph of the wicked to our own lives when we face injustice or see evil prosper? 3. How does the account of Job encourage us to maintain our faith during times of personal trial and suffering? 4. What can we learn from Job's friends about the importance of offering wise and compassionate counsel to those who are suffering? 5. How do the teachings in Job 27:23 connect with Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:26-27, and what practical steps can we take to build our lives on a firm foundation? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 1This Psalm contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, similar to Job's discourse on the fate of the wicked. Proverbs 11:21 This verse speaks to the certainty of the wicked not going unpunished, aligning with Job's assertion of the ultimate downfall of the wicked. Matthew 7:26-27 Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders highlights the instability of a life not founded on righteousness, akin to the fate of the wicked described by Job. James 5:11 James references Job as an example of perseverance, emphasizing the eventual blessing and justice of God.
People JobPlaces UzTopics Clap, Clappeth, Claps, Derision, Driving, Hands, Hiss, Hisses, Hisseth, Hissing, Joy, Signs, SoundsDictionary of Bible Themes Job 27:23Library 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 27:23 NIVJob 27:23 NLT Job 27:23 ESV Job 27:23 NASB Job 27:23 KJV Job 27:23 Commentaries Bible Hub |