Job 20:7 – “He will perish forever, like his own dung; those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Zophar, one of Job’s friends, is continuing his speech against the wicked. He is making the argument that those who live in rebellion against God, or the “godless,” will ultimately face destruction. Zophar’s words are graphic and harsh: he compares the fate of the wicked to dung, which is something that people discard and quickly forget. The imagery here emphasizes the total and permanent nature of their downfall.
Zophar is warning that, no matter how powerful or successful someone might seem, if they live without regard for God, they will eventually perish and be forgotten. He describes a situation where people will look around and ask, “Where is he?” meaning that the memory of the wicked person will fade away, and they will no longer be significant or remembered.
Historical Context
In the time when the book of Job was written, there was a strong cultural belief in immediate retribution for wickedness. Many believed that the wicked would face punishment in this life, and this is the viewpoint Zophar is expressing. He assumes that anyone who lives in opposition to God will quickly experience the consequences of their sin, both in this life and after death.
Zophar’s words reflect this cultural assumption, and he uses extreme imagery to convey the shame and disgrace that would come to the wicked. Comparing someone to dung was a way of expressing ultimate worthlessness in the ancient world. By using this image, Zophar is trying to emphasize that the wicked will be completely wiped out, both in their life and legacy.
Theological Implications
Zophar’s statement contains a kernel of truth: those who live in rebellion against God will face judgment. The Bible consistently teaches that sin leads to destruction and separation from God. However, Zophar’s perspective is overly simplistic. He assumes that all suffering is the result of personal sin and that the wicked will always face swift and visible punishment. The book of Job, however, challenges this idea by showing that suffering can come to even the righteous, and sometimes the wicked do prosper for a time.
Theologically, this verse points to the reality that while the wicked may seem to thrive for a season, their end is ultimately one of destruction if they do not turn to God. Zophar is correct in recognizing that sin leads to ruin, but his rigid understanding doesn’t leave room for the complexities of life and God’s larger, often hidden, purposes.
Literary Analysis
Zophar’s words in this verse are intense and dramatic. The use of the phrase “like his own dung” is deliberately shocking, intended to convey the utter disgrace and destruction that will come to the wicked. This kind of extreme imagery is typical in ancient literature when describing the downfall of enemies or the consequences of sin.
The rhetorical question “Where is he?” adds to the sense of the wicked person’s complete disappearance from history. This phrase is a powerful way of emphasizing how quickly even the most influential people can be forgotten when their lives are built on wickedness. The literary technique here is to contrast the apparent success of the wicked with their inevitable, humiliating end.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 37:10: “A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.” This psalm reflects a similar theme of the ultimate disappearance of the wicked.
- Proverbs 10:7: “The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot.” This verse also speaks of the eventual disgrace and forgetfulness that come to those who live wickedly.
- Ecclesiastes 8:12-13: “Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God.” This passage acknowledges that the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, but their end will not be good.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 20:7 serves as a reminder of the ultimate fate of those who live in rebellion against God. While the wicked may appear to succeed and enjoy life, their joy is temporary, and their end is one of destruction if they do not turn to God in repentance. This verse warns us not to be envious of those who gain success through ungodly means, as their legacy will not last.
It also reminds us of the importance of building a life that honors God, because only a life rooted in Him will have lasting significance. As believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects God’s values, knowing that our eternal reward is secure in Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
While Zophar’s words are harsh, they also reflect a truth about God’s justice. God is a just and holy God, and He cannot allow wickedness to go unpunished forever. However, the Bible also reveals that God’s heart is not to simply wipe out the wicked. He desires that all people come to repentance and receive His mercy. In 2 Peter 3:9, we read, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
This verse points to God’s justice, but it also reminds us that God’s ultimate desire is for people to turn from their sin and be saved. His love is so great that He provides opportunities for repentance and restoration, even for those who are living in opposition to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Zophar’s statement about the fate of the wicked points to the need for salvation that is found in Jesus Christ. While Zophar sees the wicked as doomed to destruction, the gospel reveals that through Jesus, even the most sinful person can be redeemed.
In Romans 6:23, we are told that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” While sin leads to death and destruction, Jesus offers the gift of eternal life to all who will repent and believe in Him. The judgment Zophar speaks of is real, but Jesus provides a way out through His sacrifice on the cross.
Jesus’ death and resurrection offer hope to those who might otherwise face the destruction that Zophar describes. No matter how far someone has gone into wickedness, through Christ, they can be forgiven and given a new life with eternal significance.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge the way we view the success of those who live without regard for God?
- Why do you think the Bible uses such strong language to describe the fate of the wicked? What is the purpose of this kind of imagery?
- How can we be sure that our lives are building a legacy that honors God, rather than one that will be forgotten?
- How does Jesus’ offer of salvation change the way we understand verses like this one, which speak of the destruction of the wicked?
- In what ways can we share the hope of redemption with those who seem far from God?
This verse challenges us to reflect on the ultimate consequences of living apart from God, while also reminding us of the hope and redemption offered through Jesus Christ.