What is the meaning of Job 15:24?

Distress and anguish

Job 15:24 opens by naming two heavy realities: “Distress and anguish.” Scripture often pairs these words to paint a picture of inner collapse when sin’s consequences close in (Proverbs 1:27; Isaiah 30:6). Eli­phaz is describing the wicked man who has spurned God’s counsel:

• Distress—the external pressures of God’s judgment begin to squeeze.

• Anguish—the inward choking of fear and regret.

Both facets are real and literal, paralleling Psalm 18:4–5 where David says, “The cords of death encompassed me…the torrents of destruction terrified me.”

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terrify him

Eli­phaz continues: “Distress and anguish terrify him.” The fear here is not mere unease; it is paralyzing dread because the sinner finally realizes he stands without refuge (Hebrews 10:27; Revelation 6:15–17). Notice:

• Terror is self-inflicted by rebellion (Psalm 73:18–19).

• God’s holiness makes terror unavoidable for the unrepentant (Isaiah 33:14).

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overwhelming him

These forces “overwhelm” or literally roll over the wicked man like a flood (Psalm 124:4–5). The progression is clear:

1. Distress arises.

2. Anguish follows.

3. Together they crush—no escape, no pause button.

Jeremiah 23:19–20 speaks of a “storm of the LORD” that will “burst upon the head of the wicked.” Eli­phaz, though misapplying it to Job, still states a timeless principle: unconfessed sin invites an unstoppable wave of divine justice.

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like a king poised to attack

The verse ends with a military simile: judgment charges “like a king poised to attack.” Kings did not negotiate at this stage; they advanced with overwhelming force (2 Samuel 10:16–19). Key takeaways:

• The assault is organized—no random misfortune, but a sovereignly directed advance (Nahum 1:2–6).

• The assault is irresistible—no defense can stand when the true King, the LORD of hosts, lays siege (Psalm 24:8).

• The assault is personal—“him” reminds us every soul must face the King individually (Romans 14:10–12).

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summary

Job 15:24 depicts the relentless certainty of divine judgment on the unrepentant: outward pressures and inward panic converge, roll over the sinner, and close in with king-like authority. While Eli­phaz wrongly points the finger at Job, the Holy Spirit uses his words to warn every reader: flee to the true King for mercy now, or face His unstoppable advance later (John 3:36; Proverbs 28:13). Distress and anguish need not be our destiny when we cling to the Savior who bore our terror on the cross.