God’s power is supreme and transcends all human authority.
Elihu, one of Job’s friends who speaks in this passage, declares the swift and unavoidable reality of God’s power when he says that “in a moment they die, and at midnight people are shaken and pass away, and the mighty are taken away without a hand” (Job 34:20). This abrupt change, happening “in a moment,” underscores the truth that human existence can be fragile, no matter one’s stature or status. Elihu’s words stress the sovereignty of God over life, pointing to His authority to usher in death or to sustain life according to His perfect will. The verse sets a scene where everything that seems permanent—whether it be empires, families, or personal security—can be toppled in an instant, just as Jesus warns His listeners that their lives are not guaranteed (Luke 12:20).
When Elihu mentions that “the mighty are taken away without a hand” (Job 34:20), he demonstrates that neither human achievements nor worldly influence can protect individuals from the hand of God. In Job’s historical timeline, believed by many scholars to be set in the period of the Patriarchs (around 2000-1800 BC), kings rose and fell, yet all remained under the supreme rule of the Lord. This statement of God’s authority resonates with other passages depicting His power over rulers and nations (Daniel 2:21), and it reminds us that God can humble even the most powerful.
The phrase “at midnight people are shaken” (Job 34:20) portrays a sudden, unexpected event happening in the darkness—an unsettling moment that highlights humanity’s vulnerability. Much like Jesus taught that we should always be spiritually alert (Matthew 25:13), Elihu’s words call listeners to recognize that life is fragile and dependent on God’s timing. Even at our most secure moments, we must remain humble before the One who reigns over every aspect of creation.
Set to dark mode
Job 34:20 meaning
Elihu, one of Job’s friends who speaks in this passage, declares the swift and unavoidable reality of God’s power when he says that “in a moment they die, and at midnight people are shaken and pass away, and the mighty are taken away without a hand” (Job 34:20). This abrupt change, happening “in a moment,” underscores the truth that human existence can be fragile, no matter one’s stature or status. Elihu’s words stress the sovereignty of God over life, pointing to His authority to usher in death or to sustain life according to His perfect will. The verse sets a scene where everything that seems permanent—whether it be empires, families, or personal security—can be toppled in an instant, just as Jesus warns His listeners that their lives are not guaranteed (Luke 12:20).
When Elihu mentions that “the mighty are taken away without a hand” (Job 34:20), he demonstrates that neither human achievements nor worldly influence can protect individuals from the hand of God. In Job’s historical timeline, believed by many scholars to be set in the period of the Patriarchs (around 2000-1800 BC), kings rose and fell, yet all remained under the supreme rule of the Lord. This statement of God’s authority resonates with other passages depicting His power over rulers and nations (Daniel 2:21), and it reminds us that God can humble even the most powerful.
The phrase “at midnight people are shaken” (Job 34:20) portrays a sudden, unexpected event happening in the darkness—an unsettling moment that highlights humanity’s vulnerability. Much like Jesus taught that we should always be spiritually alert (Matthew 25:13), Elihu’s words call listeners to recognize that life is fragile and dependent on God’s timing. Even at our most secure moments, we must remain humble before the One who reigns over every aspect of creation.