the inheritance God has appointed him.
The term "inheritance" here is used ironically, as it typically denotes a positive bequest. In this context, it refers to the inevitable judgment and punishment that the wicked will receive. This reflects the cultural understanding of inheritance as something predetermined and unavoidable, much like the consequences of one's actions. The use of "appointed" underscores God's sovereign will and predetermined plan, similar to the themes found in Romans 9:22, where God’s sovereignty over vessels of wrath is discussed. This phrase also serves as a reminder of the ultimate justice that will be fulfilled, as seen in the eschatological prophecies of Revelation, where the final judgment is depicted.

“This is” signals a settled verdict, not a hasty opinion. Zophar draws a decisive line under his preceding words, much like Moses does when he declares, “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today” (Deuteronomy 30:19), or Jesus when He says, “Truly, truly, I tell you” (John 5:24). The phrasing tells readers they are looking at a final, unchanging statement about the destiny of the wicked.

- “Portion” points to the lot or share that rightly falls to someone, reminiscent of Psalm 16:5: “The LORD is the portion of my inheritance.”

- Here, the share belongs to “the wicked,” those who refuse God’s ways (Psalm 1:4–6; Isaiah 3:11).

- Instead of a pleasant inheritance, their lot is judgment, echoing Psalm 11:6: “On the wicked He will rain fiery coals and brimstone.”

- Zophar’s insistence harmonizes with the broader biblical promise that sin’s wages are death (Romans 6:23), not merely temporal setbacks.

Judgment originates “from God,” underscoring divine justice rather than random fate.

- Proverbs 10:29 affirms, “Destruction comes to the workers of iniquity,” yet that destruction flows through God’s righteous rule.

- Revelation 19:2 celebrates, “His judgments are true and just,” reminding us that whatever comes upon the wicked is perfectly measured by the One who knows every heart (Jeremiah 17:10).

- This truth also comforts believers that evil never gets the last word; God does (Nahum 1:3).

An inheritance is typically long-term, passing to future generations. In this context:

- The wicked hand down calamity, not blessing, mirroring Proverbs 3:33: “The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked.”

- Their “inheritance” includes both earthly collapse (Job 15:29) and eternal loss (Matthew 25:46).

- Conversely, “the meek will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5), highlighting the stark contrast between saints and rebels.

“Appointed” stresses sovereignty. What happens to the wicked is not accidental but scheduled by God’s timetable.

- Acts 17:31 speaks of a day God “has appointed” to judge the world by Christ.

- Job himself later concedes, “I know that You can do all things, and no purpose of Yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2).

- This divine appointment guards against envy when the wicked prosper temporarily (Psalm 73:17–19); their outcome is already set.

Job 20:29 anchors hope for the righteous and issues a sober warning to the rebellious. The verse certifies that:

- God personally determines each person’s ultimate portion.

- For the wicked, that portion is judgment, lasting and certain.

- His sovereign appointment cannot be overturned.

Believers can therefore rest assured that justice will prevail, while the wicked are urged to repent before their appointed inheritance is irrevocably delivered.

Parallel Commentaries ...