Job 21:7-16

Job 21:7-16

[7] Wherefore do the wicked  live,  become old,  yea, are mighty  in power?  [8] Their seed  is established  in their sight  with them, and their offspring  before their eyes.  [9] Their houses  are safe  from fear,  neither is the rod  of God  [10] Their bull  gendereth,  and faileth  not; their cow  calveth,  and casteth not her calf.  [11] They send forth  their little ones  like a flock,  and their children  dance.  [12] They take  the timbrel  and harp,  and rejoice  at the sound  of the organ.  [13] their days  in wealth,  and in a moment  to the grave.  [14] Therefore they say  unto God,  Depart  from us; for we desire  not the knowledge  of thy ways.  [15] What is the Almighty,  that we should serve  him? and what profit  should we have, if we pray  unto him? [16] Lo, their good  is not in their hand:  the counsel  of the wicked  is far 

What does Job 21:7-16 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Job"s friends had been selective in their observations regarding wicked people. They had pointed out only the cases in which God judged them on earth. Job now presented the other side of the story. There were many wicked who never experienced God"s judgment before they died. His words contrast especially with what Zophar had just said (ch20). Many people who do not know God or reject him live peaceful, pleasant lives ( Job 21:14-15; cf. Job 18:21). Job 21:16 may mean that these people"s prosperity comes ultimately from God, not from themselves. Still, Job did not want his friends to understand him as supporting the wicked"s contempt for God ( Job 21:16 b).