Zophar gives his second speech, describing how the triumph of the wicked is short and the joy of the hypocrite momentary. Though the wicked swallows down riches, God will cast them out of his belly; he shall suck the poison of asps, and the heavens shall reveal his iniquity while the earth rises up against him.
Read Job Chapter 20 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Job
Righteous man whose faith is tested through catastrophic suffering
Eliphaz
First friend who argues suffering results from sin
Bildad
Second friend who appeals to traditional wisdom about punishment
Zophar
Third friend who harshly accuses Job of hidden sin
Elihu
Young man who speaks last, emphasizing God's justice and discipline
Places in This Chapter
The Tabernacle
View on MapThe Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary that Israel built according to God's instructions at Mount Sinai. It served as God's dwelling place among His people during the wilderness wanderings and early settlement in Canaan. It contained the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and the holy place.
Position in Book
PrologueChapters 1-2
Dialogue with FriendsChapters 3-31
Three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends debating the cause of his suffering.
Elihu's SpeechesChapters 32-37
God SpeaksChapters 38-41
EpilogueChapters 42
Bible Bites
Job Has 42 Chapters of Testing
The book of Job contains exactly 42 chapters, ending with God restoring Job's fortunes after his lengthy trials. Job received twice what he had lost and lived 140 more years.
Job 42