He will suck the poison of cobras; the fangs of a viper will kill him. He will suck the poison of cobras;The wicked man’s pursuit of evil becomes self-destructive, as though he willingly drinks what will destroy him. Serpents recall the deceit and rebellion introduced in Eden (Genesis 3), and their venom pictures sin’s corrupting power. What promises pleasure or gain carries death within it. Deu 32:33 Their wine is the venom of serpents, the deadly poison… the fangs of a viper will kill him. The deadly bite depicts the certain end of unrepentant wickedness. Sin brings death (Romans 6:23), and no human strength can remove its poison. Christ alone delivers sinners from condemnation through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Gen 49:17 He will be a snake by the road, a viper in the path… Persons / Places / Events 1. Zophar the NaamathiteOne of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Zophar is speaking, offering his perspective on the fate of the wicked. 2. Job The central figure of the book, a man who is suffering greatly and is seeking understanding and vindication from God. 3. Cobras and Vipers Symbolic creatures representing danger and death. In the ancient Near East, snakes were often seen as symbols of evil and destruction. Teaching Points The Consequences of WickednessZophar's speech highlights the inevitable consequences of living a life contrary to God's ways. Just as one cannot escape the deadly effects of snake venom, so too the wicked cannot escape the repercussions of their actions. The Deceptive Nature of Sin Sin often appears alluring and harmless at first, much like the smooth movements of a snake. However, its end is destructive and deadly, leading to spiritual death. The Importance of Righteous Living This passage serves as a reminder to pursue righteousness and avoid the paths that lead to spiritual and moral decay. Aligning one's life with God's will is crucial for avoiding the 'poison' of sin. Trust in God's Justice While Zophar's understanding of Job's situation is flawed, his assertion that God will ultimately deal justly with the wicked is true. Believers can trust that God sees all and will administer justice in His perfect timing. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of sucking the poison of cobras relate to the consequences of sin in our lives today?2. In what ways can we be vigilant against the 'venom' of sin that may seem harmless at first? 3. How does the concept of divine justice in Job 20:16 provide comfort or challenge to you in your current circumstances? 4. What other biblical examples can you think of where sin is compared to something deadly or poisonous? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Zophar's speech to ensure we are living in a way that aligns with God's righteousness? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 58:4This verse also uses the imagery of venomous snakes to describe the wicked, emphasizing their harmful and deceitful nature. Proverbs 23:32 This passage warns about the deceptive allure of sin, comparing it to a serpent that bites and a viper that stings. Romans 6:23 This New Testament verse speaks to the ultimate consequence of sin, which is death, aligning with the imagery of deadly poison in Job 20:16.
People Job, ZopharPlaces UzTopics Adder, Asps, Cause, Cobra, Cobras, Death, Fangs, Gall, Kill, Mouth, Poison, Serpents, Slay, Slays, Snake, Snakes, Suck, Sucketh, Sucks, Takes, Tongue, Venom, Viper, Viper'sDictionary of Bible Themes Job 20:16Library June 9 EveningThe triumphing of the wicked is short.--JOB 20:5. Thou shalt bruise his heel.--This is your hour, and the power of darkness.--As the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.--Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path The Christian Urged To, and Assisted In, an Express Act of Self-Dedication to the Service of God. Whether the Ashes from which the Human Body Will be Restored have any Natural Inclination Towards the Soul which Will be United to Them? God. The Hardening Operation of Love. Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men The Barren Fig-Tree; A Few Sighs from Hell; An Exhortation to Love God Man's Misery by the Fall Job Links Job 20:16 NIVJob 20:16 NLT Job 20:16 ESV Job 20:16 NASB Job 20:16 KJV Job 20:16 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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