Job 20:8
He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.
Job 20:8 (KJV)
Context
The book of Job explores human suffering, faith, and God’s sovereignty. Job, a righteous man, endures severe trials and losses. His friends come to comfort him, but they also try to explain his suffering. Job 20:8 is part of Zophar the Naamathite’s second speech to Job. Zophar describes the fate of the wicked, arguing that their prosperity is temporary and that they will face consequences.
Meaning
Zophar uses poetic and metaphorical language. He compares the wicked person’s disappearance to a dream that fades upon waking and to a vision of the night that vanishes with daylight. The phrase “fly away as a dream” suggests that the wicked person’s success is like an illusion, leaving nothing behind. The second image, “chased away as a vision of the night,” emphasizes a sudden and forceful downfall. The words “shall not be found” and “chased away” point to a complete and final removal from their place of prosperity.
This verse highlights the temporary nature of the wicked’s prosperity and power. Just as a dream is forgotten, so the wicked person’s influence and wealth disappear. The imagery of being chased away implies a forceful expulsion, showing the severity of their punishment. Zophar’s words are a poetic declaration of divine justice, not a description of Job’s own condition. The verse does not describe a literal flying away but uses metaphor to convey the complete and final removal of the wicked from their place of prosperity.
Biblical connections
The dream imagery also appears in Isaiah 29:8, where a hungry or thirsty man dreams he eats or drinks but wakes up empty and unrefreshed. This connection illustrates the emptiness of the wicked’s hopes and the futility of their security. Their prosperity is like a dream that gives no lasting satisfaction. The certainty of their end is expressed through the phrases “shall not be found” and “chased away,” indicating a forceful and complete removal.
Application
While this verse primarily addresses the fate of the wicked, it offers lessons for believers. It reminds us that worldly success and material possessions are temporary. It encourages us to seek lasting treasures found in a relationship with God rather than pursuing transient pleasures. The verse also reminds us that the consequences of wickedness are inevitable, even when they seem delayed. The fleeting nature of a dream serves as a warning not to build our lives on what cannot last.
Reflection
Zophar’s words reflect a common belief of his time that the wicked receive their due punishment. However, the book of Job challenges simplistic retribution theology. The overall message of Job highlights the mystery of suffering and the need for humility before God’s wisdom and sovereignty. This verse calls us to trust God’s justice while acknowledging that His ways are beyond our full understanding. In the broader dialogue, the friends’ perspective is ultimately challenged by God, reminding us to hold our conclusions with humility.
