Job 18:20

“They that come after him shall be astonied at his day, as they that went before were affrighted.”

To fully grasp the meaning and context of this verse, it is essential to explore the surrounding verses and the overall narrative of the Book of Job.

The Book of Job is a profound piece of wisdom literature found in the Old Testament. It addresses the age-old question of human suffering and wrestles with the concept of God’s justice. The book centers around Job, a righteous man who faces extreme adversity and endures various trials.

In Chapter 18, we find Job’s friend Bildad responding to him, offering his perspective on the fate of the wicked. Bildad believes that misfortune is a direct result of sin and wickedness. He presents a vivid picture of the fate that awaits the wicked, emphasizing their ultimate destruction.

Now, let’s focus on verse 20:

“They that come after him shall be astonied at his day, as they that went before were affrighted.”

This verse carries poetic language, and the meaning can be inferred within the context of the passage. Bildad is describing the fate of the wicked, asserting that future generations will be astonished and terrified at the destruction that befalls them.

The phrase “they that come after him” refers to those who come after the wicked individual being described. Bildad suggests that these future generations will be astonished or struck with awe at the calamity that occurs on the day of the wicked person’s downfall.

Likewise, the phrase “as they that went before were affrighted” indicates that previous generations or people who have witnessed the destruction caused by the wicked were frightened or terrified. Bildad uses this parallelism to emphasize the severity of the consequences faced by the wicked.

It is important to note that while Bildad presents his perspective on the fate of the wicked, his understanding does not fully align with the overall message of the Book of Job. The book later challenges the notion that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin, as Job himself is a righteous man who experiences immense suffering.

Overall, Job 18:20 serves as a vivid depiction of the fate of the wicked, highlighting the profound impact their downfall will have on future generations. It offers a poetic portrayal of the consequences that await those who engage in wickedness, reflecting the belief in divine justice prevalent during the time the Book of Job was written.