Life is fleeting, yet God’s eternal perspective offers hope beyond human frailty.
Eliphaz the Temanite, believed to have lived in the Patriarchal era around 2000-1800 BC, offers a vivid portrait of humankind’s frailty when he declares, “Between morning and evening they are broken in pieces; Unobserved, they perish forever” (v.20). In this ancient dialogue, Eliphaz speaks from the region of Teman, which was associated with the land of Edom, situated in the southeastern area of biblical Israel, near modern-day Jordan. By describing how people can be crushed within the short span of a day, he underscores the delicate and temporary state of mortal life. His words mirror the broader theme of Job, which grapples with human suffering and the enigma of God’s sovereignty. They also echo later scriptural teachings on how life can swiftly pass (James 4:14), pointing toward a universal truth that transcends this moment in Job’s sufferings.
In “Between morning and evening they are broken in pieces” (v.20), Eliphaz emphasizes the rapid changes that can befall humanity. Morning and evening are not only literal times of day; they serve as metaphors for the brief and uncertain nature of life. This teaching resonates with other parts of Scripture that remind believers to place their trust in God, acknowledging that their days are guided and sustained by the Creator. By placing his focus on the short-lived nature of human achievements, Eliphaz challenges Job’s perspective, questioning whether Job’s suffering might be a result of the temporary and fallible state of human righteousness. In a broader biblical sense, these words can also direct hearts to the hope found in God’s assurance that He is ultimately in control, providing eternal security for those who turn to Him (John 11:25).
In concluding his statement, Eliphaz says, “Unobserved, they perish forever” (v.20), suggesting that people might vanish without an earthly remembrance. This idea can stir both comfort and unease. On one hand, it acknowledges that man’s life is incredibly fragile, indicating that no earthly honor or accomplishment can guarantee eternal recognition. On the other hand, a consistent biblical narrative emerges: God is the One who sees all and forgets none who walk faithfully before Him. Although Eliphaz’s perspective might sound grim to modern ears, it sets the stage for the transforming truth found later in Scripture that humanity’s hope extends beyond mere earthly survival. Through Jesus Christ, as revealed in the New Testament, believers discover the promise of everlasting life and a place in God’s eternal memory.
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Job 4:20 meaning
Eliphaz the Temanite, believed to have lived in the Patriarchal era around 2000-1800 BC, offers a vivid portrait of humankind’s frailty when he declares, “Between morning and evening they are broken in pieces; Unobserved, they perish forever” (v.20). In this ancient dialogue, Eliphaz speaks from the region of Teman, which was associated with the land of Edom, situated in the southeastern area of biblical Israel, near modern-day Jordan. By describing how people can be crushed within the short span of a day, he underscores the delicate and temporary state of mortal life. His words mirror the broader theme of Job, which grapples with human suffering and the enigma of God’s sovereignty. They also echo later scriptural teachings on how life can swiftly pass (James 4:14), pointing toward a universal truth that transcends this moment in Job’s sufferings.
In “Between morning and evening they are broken in pieces” (v.20), Eliphaz emphasizes the rapid changes that can befall humanity. Morning and evening are not only literal times of day; they serve as metaphors for the brief and uncertain nature of life. This teaching resonates with other parts of Scripture that remind believers to place their trust in God, acknowledging that their days are guided and sustained by the Creator. By placing his focus on the short-lived nature of human achievements, Eliphaz challenges Job’s perspective, questioning whether Job’s suffering might be a result of the temporary and fallible state of human righteousness. In a broader biblical sense, these words can also direct hearts to the hope found in God’s assurance that He is ultimately in control, providing eternal security for those who turn to Him (John 11:25).
In concluding his statement, Eliphaz says, “Unobserved, they perish forever” (v.20), suggesting that people might vanish without an earthly remembrance. This idea can stir both comfort and unease. On one hand, it acknowledges that man’s life is incredibly fragile, indicating that no earthly honor or accomplishment can guarantee eternal recognition. On the other hand, a consistent biblical narrative emerges: God is the One who sees all and forgets none who walk faithfully before Him. Although Eliphaz’s perspective might sound grim to modern ears, it sets the stage for the transforming truth found later in Scripture that humanity’s hope extends beyond mere earthly survival. Through Jesus Christ, as revealed in the New Testament, believers discover the promise of everlasting life and a place in God’s eternal memory.