Job 20

Job 20:7

he will perish forever, like his own dung: Compare 1 Kings 14:9–11; 2 Kings 9:36–37; Psalm 83:10; Jeremiah 8:1–2.

Job 20:10

Riches stolen do not provide benefits that last because they obtain them in a dishonest way (20:18–21).

Job 20:14-16

venom of cobras … poison of cobras … vipers: In the end, evil people harm only themselves, not others (Matthew 3:7; Romans 3:13; Proverbs 23:29–35).

Job 20:17

The streams of olive oil and rivers flowing with honey and cream represent great blessings (Exodus 5:19; Deuteronomy 27:3; Joel 3:18).

Job 20:20

Like the grave or death, evil people always focus on themselves and never find satisfaction (Proverbs 27:20; 30:15–16; Ecclesiastes 5:19; Isaiah 57:20–21; Habakkuk 2:5).

Job 20:24

Evil people cannot avoid trouble (see Isaiah 24:17–18; Jeremiah 15:2–3; Amos 5:19; 9:1–2). When they escape one threat, another confronts them.

Job 20:25

Terrors: These are terrors of death. Although the specific words "of death" are not in the Hebrew text, they are understood because the description talks about an arrowhead that glistens with blood (literally with gall). This indicates a deadly hit on an important organ in the body (6:4; 16:13; Psalm 7:12). The image conveys the serious threat and intense fear that comes with being in mortal danger.

Job 20:26

Images like darkness and fire often symbolize God's presence, especially his judgment (Deuteronomy 4:11; 5:22–23; Hebrews 12:18; Exodus 9:23–24; 10:21–29).

Job 20:27

The heavens … will rise up: Compare Deuteronomy 4:26; 30:19; 31:28.

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