Job 18:11
“Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.”
This verse is part of a speech delivered by Bildad the Shuhite, one of Job’s friends who came to comfort him during his time of suffering. Bildad’s speech is filled with accusations and condemnations, asserting that Job’s suffering is a result of his own sin.
In Job 18:11, Bildad describes the fate of the wicked person he is referring to. The word “him” in this verse refers to the wicked individual. Let’s explore the meaning of this verse in context:
Terrors shall make him afraid:Bildad asserts that the wicked person will be overwhelmed with fear and terror. This could be understood as a consequence of their sinful actions or as a general description of the fear that plagues those who reject God’s ways.
On every side:The phrase “on every side” emphasizes the pervasive nature of the terrors that the wicked person will experience. This suggests that their fear will be inescapable and surround them from all directions.
Shall drive him to his feet:This phrase can be interpreted as meaning that the terrors will cause the wicked person to rise up in panic or restlessness. It indicates that fear will have a compelling effect, urging them to take action or react in fear.
It is important to note that while Bildad’s speech reflects the views of some of Job’s friends, it does not accurately reflect the reasons behind Job’s suffering. Throughout the book of Job, Job’s friends attempt to attribute his suffering solely to his own wrongdoing, whereas Job himself maintains his innocence and struggles to find meaning in his afflictions.
The Book of Job as a whole wrestles with the concept of suffering and explores questions about the justice of God. While Job’s friends’ speeches are ultimately challenged by God’s response later in the book, their words serve as a reminder that the Bible contains a variety of perspectives on life’s challenges and the nature of suffering.
In summary, Job 18:11 from the King James Version presents Bildad’s assertion that terrors will fill the wicked person with fear on every side, driving them to their feet. This verse reflects the viewpoint of Job’s friend and contributes to the ongoing dialogue within the book of Job about the nature of suffering.
