Text -- Job 20:24-29 (NET)

20:24 If he flees from an iron weapon, then an arrow from a bronze bow pierces him. 20:25 When he pulls it out and it comes out of his back, the gleaming point out of his liver, terrors come over him. 20:26 Total darkness waits to receive his treasures; a fire which has not been kindled will consume him and devour what is left in his tent. 20:27 The heavens reveal his iniquity; the earth rises up against him. 20:28 A flood will carry off his house, rushing waters on the day of God’s wrath. 20:29 Such is the lot God allots the wicked, and the heritage of his appointment from God.”

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Job 20:24

¹ tn Heb “a bronze bow pierces him.” The words “an arrow from” are implied and are supplied in the translation; cf. “pulls it out” in the following verse.

NET Notes: Job 20:25

¹ tn The MT has “he draws out [or as a passive, “it is drawn out/forth”] and comes [or goes] out of his back.” For the first verb שָׁלַף (shalaf, “pull, draw”), many commentators follow the LXX and use שֶׁלַח (shelakh, “a spear”). It then reads “and a shaft comes out of his back,” a sword flash comes out of his liver.” But the verse could also be a continuation of the preceding.

² tn Possibly a reference to lightnings.

NET Notes: Job 20:26

¹ tn Heb “all darkness is hidden for his laid up things.” “All darkness” refers to the misfortunes and afflictions that await. The verb “hidden” means “is destined for.”

² tn Heb “not blown upon,” i.e., not kindled by man. But G. R. Driver reads “unquenched” (“Hebrew notes on the ‘Wisdom of Jesus Ben Sirach’,” JBL 53 [1934]: 289).

NET Notes: Job 20:29

¹ tn For the word אִמְרוֹ (’imro) some propose reading “his appointment,” and the others, “his word.” Driver shows that “the heritage of his appointment” means “his appointed heritage” (see GKC 440 §135.n).