The wicked cannot find lasting peace because fear of judgment haunts their supposed calm.
When Eliphaz (an associate of Job believed to be from Teman in the region of Edom around 2000-1800 BC) warns that “Sounds of terror are in his ears; While at peace the destroyer comes upon him” (v.21), he paints a picture of the internal dread that plagues the one who has sinned against God. From a literal perspective, this phrase underscores the paradox of living in supposed tranquility while being haunted by the knowledge of potential destruction. Eliphaz insists that a guilty conscience and rebellious heart cannot sustain true peace, as fear intrudes even in moments of quiet rest. Such terror in the heart is not passive; it disrupts a person’s ability to feel safe, suggesting that sin often carries internal consequences long before outward calamity occurs.
In a larger biblical context, Eliphaz is speaking to Job, whom he believes must be somehow responsible for the calamities befalling him (Job 15). While we, the readers, understand that Job has not committed wrongdoing that warrants his suffering, Eliphaz’s statement implies a universal principle: people who reject divine wisdom are tormented by the possibility of impending judgment. This theme resonates with many New Testament passages that speak of inner turmoil and the necessity for repentance (Romans 2:9). Even in modern times, the principle remains relevant, as guilt and anxiety can persistently plague hearts until reconciliation and trust in God bring relief.
Spiritually, “Sounds of terror … while at peace” (v.21) highlights a moral reality that no matter how secure a person seems, there is an inescapable sense of unease that arises when one lives contrary to God’s ways. It is a reminder that true peace comes from a right relationship with the Lord (John 14:27), rather than the fleeting comfort offered by worldly security. Those who trust in God experience a different sort of rest—rooted not in ignorance of danger but in the assurance of divine protection.
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Job 15:21 meaning
When Eliphaz (an associate of Job believed to be from Teman in the region of Edom around 2000-1800 BC) warns that “Sounds of terror are in his ears; While at peace the destroyer comes upon him” (v.21), he paints a picture of the internal dread that plagues the one who has sinned against God. From a literal perspective, this phrase underscores the paradox of living in supposed tranquility while being haunted by the knowledge of potential destruction. Eliphaz insists that a guilty conscience and rebellious heart cannot sustain true peace, as fear intrudes even in moments of quiet rest. Such terror in the heart is not passive; it disrupts a person’s ability to feel safe, suggesting that sin often carries internal consequences long before outward calamity occurs.
In a larger biblical context, Eliphaz is speaking to Job, whom he believes must be somehow responsible for the calamities befalling him (Job 15). While we, the readers, understand that Job has not committed wrongdoing that warrants his suffering, Eliphaz’s statement implies a universal principle: people who reject divine wisdom are tormented by the possibility of impending judgment. This theme resonates with many New Testament passages that speak of inner turmoil and the necessity for repentance (Romans 2:9). Even in modern times, the principle remains relevant, as guilt and anxiety can persistently plague hearts until reconciliation and trust in God bring relief.
Spiritually, “Sounds of terror … while at peace” (v.21) highlights a moral reality that no matter how secure a person seems, there is an inescapable sense of unease that arises when one lives contrary to God’s ways. It is a reminder that true peace comes from a right relationship with the Lord (John 14:27), rather than the fleeting comfort offered by worldly security. Those who trust in God experience a different sort of rest—rooted not in ignorance of danger but in the assurance of divine protection.