Job 20:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In essence, their devastation occurs unexpectedly, ensuring that you recognize it is not merely the result of random occurrences but rather a manifestation of a divine and extraordinary force. Furthermore, do not merely speak of injustices, but also mention the sacrifices that, despite being made, proved to be completely ineffective.

The verse states that the eye which has observed him will no longer behold him; he will not be seen in his former position (Job 20:9). What then is the ‘position’ of the hypocrite, if not within the hearts of those who flatter him? He finds solace where he delights in his own image. Thus, the eye that once beheld him will now see him no more, as he has retreated into death, concealed from his foolish admirers who were accustomed to gazing upon him in admiration. Furthermore, he will not be visible in his place again since the words of his flatterers will not accompany him on the Day of Judgment. Yet, while he is alive, he continuously instructs his followers in the ways he practices, and due to his wicked delusion, those who imitate him also adopt the falsehoods he embodies. It is fitting that he makes this observation here:

Job's words have provoked Sophar, prompting him to speak up (1-3). Once again, Sophar demonstrates that wickedness inevitably leads to destruction (4-5) and that the fleeting joys of the sinner, no matter how grand, vanish like a dream (6-11). What may currently satisfy the wicked—such as wealth—will eventually become toxic to him (12-18). For the sins and injustices against the vulnerable, calamity will strike him (19-23). This outcome is both unavoidable and dreadful (24-29).