God protects those who trust in Him from the power of destructive words and threats by offering His divine shelter and assurance of safety.
“You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, / And you will not be afraid of violence when it comes.” (Job 5:21). This verse forms part of Eliphaz’s speech to Job, underscoring the protective power of God’s sovereignty. Eliphaz, who was possibly from Teman—a region believed to be in or near Edom—lived during the era traditionally understood to be early in the second millennium BC, around the time of the Patriarchs. In this statement, he asserts that the faithful need not fear the destructive words others may wield against them (“the scourge of the tongue”), because the Lord can shield them from such harm (v.21). In the broader context of Scripture, this promise can be seen as a precursor to the many New Testament declarations that believers are guarded by God’s presence (Romans 8:38-39).
Emphasizing God’s protection, Eliphaz also proclaims, “you will not be afraid of violence when it comes” (v.21), reflecting a theme found in other biblical passages which assure the righteous of divine safety. Although the Book of Job grapples with profound suffering and the seeming hiddenness of God, statements like this spotlight the hope and reassurance available to those who trust in the Lord. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself teaches that His followers should not fear earthly threats (Matthew 10:28), echoing the idea that God’s care exceeds any immediate circumstance, including violence.
In Job’s context, these words point to an unwavering faith in God’s ultimate authority over human affairs. Even though we learn that Job endures immense hardship, the larger biblical narrative testifies that hardships and injustices do not fall outside of God’s notice. In the grand story of redemption, God remains a protector whose power supersedes every form of harmful accusation or threat. Although Eliphaz’s counsel does not perfectly apply to Job’s specific predicament—especially as it unfolds—his words reflect a timeless truth that resonates throughout Scripture, reassuring believers of God’s sustaining presence.
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Job 5:21 meaning
“You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, / And you will not be afraid of violence when it comes.” (Job 5:21). This verse forms part of Eliphaz’s speech to Job, underscoring the protective power of God’s sovereignty. Eliphaz, who was possibly from Teman—a region believed to be in or near Edom—lived during the era traditionally understood to be early in the second millennium BC, around the time of the Patriarchs. In this statement, he asserts that the faithful need not fear the destructive words others may wield against them (“the scourge of the tongue”), because the Lord can shield them from such harm (v.21). In the broader context of Scripture, this promise can be seen as a precursor to the many New Testament declarations that believers are guarded by God’s presence (Romans 8:38-39).
Emphasizing God’s protection, Eliphaz also proclaims, “you will not be afraid of violence when it comes” (v.21), reflecting a theme found in other biblical passages which assure the righteous of divine safety. Although the Book of Job grapples with profound suffering and the seeming hiddenness of God, statements like this spotlight the hope and reassurance available to those who trust in the Lord. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself teaches that His followers should not fear earthly threats (Matthew 10:28), echoing the idea that God’s care exceeds any immediate circumstance, including violence.
In Job’s context, these words point to an unwavering faith in God’s ultimate authority over human affairs. Even though we learn that Job endures immense hardship, the larger biblical narrative testifies that hardships and injustices do not fall outside of God’s notice. In the grand story of redemption, God remains a protector whose power supersedes every form of harmful accusation or threat. Although Eliphaz’s counsel does not perfectly apply to Job’s specific predicament—especially as it unfolds—his words reflect a timeless truth that resonates throughout Scripture, reassuring believers of God’s sustaining presence.