Job 24:24
They are exalted for a moment, then they are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others; they are cut off like heads of grain.
They are exalted for a moment
This phrase reflects the transient nature of human success and power. In the context of Job, it speaks to the temporary prosperity of the wicked, a recurring theme throughout the book. The brevity of their exaltation is reminiscent of Psalm 37:35-36, where the wicked flourish like a green tree but soon vanish. This highlights the biblical principle that earthly glory is fleeting and ultimately subject to God's sovereign judgment.

then they are gone
The sudden disappearance of the wicked underscores the inevitability of divine justice. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that God will not allow injustice to prevail indefinitely. The imagery here can be connected to the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21, where sudden death renders earthly wealth meaningless. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate accountability before God.

they are brought low and gathered up like all others
This phrase emphasizes the common fate of all humanity, regardless of status. The idea of being "brought low" suggests humility imposed by divine intervention, while "gathered up" can be seen as a metaphor for death. Ecclesiastes 3:20 echoes this sentiment, stating that all return to dust. It reflects the biblical truth that death is the great equalizer, bringing both the righteous and the wicked to the same end.

they are cut off like heads of grain
The agricultural metaphor of being "cut off like heads of grain" illustrates the sudden and decisive nature of God's judgment. This imagery is consistent with prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 17:5, where the reaping of grain symbolizes divine retribution. It also foreshadows the final judgment, as seen in Matthew 13:24-30, where the harvest represents the separation of the righteous from the wicked. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate accountability before God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who endures immense suffering and questions the justice of God.

2. The Wicked
In this context, Job is speaking about the wicked who seem to prosper temporarily but ultimately face judgment.

3. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.

4. God's Judgment
The overarching theme of divine justice and the eventual downfall of the wicked.

5. Harvest Imagery
The metaphor of being "cut off like heads of grain" symbolizes the inevitable judgment and removal of the wicked.
Teaching Points
The Temporary Nature of Earthly Exaltation
Earthly success and exaltation are fleeting. We should focus on eternal values rather than temporary gains.

The Certainty of Divine Justice
God's justice may not be immediate, but it is certain. We can trust that God will ultimately set things right.

The Importance of Humility
Recognizing the temporary nature of life should lead us to humility and reliance on God rather than pride in our achievements.

The Role of Faith in Uncertain Times
Like Job, we are called to maintain our faith even when we do not understand God's timing or methods.

The Harvest as a Metaphor for Judgment
The imagery of harvest reminds us that there will be a time of reckoning. We should live in a way that prepares us for that day.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job 24:24 challenge our understanding of success and prosperity in today's world?

2. In what ways can we find comfort in the assurance of God's ultimate justice, as seen in Job 24:24 and other scriptures?

3. How can the imagery of being "cut off like heads of grain" influence our perspective on life and death?

4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate humility and reliance on God in light of the temporary nature of earthly exaltation?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Job 24:24 to our interactions with those who seem to prosper through unjust means?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 37
This Psalm also addresses the temporary prosperity of the wicked and assures the faithful of God's ultimate justice.

Ecclesiastes 8:12-13
These verses discuss the seeming prosperity of the wicked and the eventual consequences they face.

James 1:10-11
James speaks about the fleeting nature of wealth and human glory, similar to the imagery in Job 24:24.

Matthew 13:24-30
The Parable of the Weeds, where Jesus explains the coexistence of good and evil until the time of harvest, aligns with the imagery of being "cut off like heads of grain."
A Little WhileW.F. Adeney Job 24:24
Consideration for OthersJ. Ruskin.Job 24:1-25
Great Crimes not Always Followed by Great Punishment in This LifeHomilistJob 24:1-25
Pictures of Secret End Unpunished Evil-DoersE. Johnson Job 24:13-25
The Prosperity of the Wicked UnsolvedR. Green Job 24:23, 24
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Corn, Cut, Ear, Ears, Exalted, Fade, Fruit, Gathered, Grain, Heads, Laid, Lifted, Low, Mallow, Moreover, Pulled, Short, Shut, Tops, Wither, Yea, Yes, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 24:22-24

     4428   corn

Library
Whether the Husband Can on his Own Judgment Put Away his Wife on Account of Fornication?
Objection 1: It would seem that the husband can on his own judgment put away his wife on account of fornication. For when sentence has been pronounced by the judge, it is lawful to carry it out without any further judgment. But God, the just Judge, has pronounced this judgment, that a husband may put his wife away on account of fornication. Therefore no further judgment is required for this. Objection 2: Further, it is stated (Mat. 1:19) that Joseph . . . being a just man . . . "was minded to put"
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether to be Eternal Belongs to God Alone?
Objection 1: It seems that it does not belong to God alone to be eternal. For it is written that "those who instruct many to justice," shall be "as stars unto perpetual eternities [*Douay: 'for all eternity']" (Dan. 12:3). Now if God alone were eternal, there could not be many eternities. Therefore God alone is not the only eternal. Objection 2: Further, it is written "Depart, ye cursed into eternal [Douay: 'everlasting'] fire" (Mat. 25:41). Therefore God is not the only eternal. Objection 3: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether in Hell the Damned are Tormented by the Sole Punishment of Fire?
Objection 1: It would seem that in hell the damned are tormented by the sole punishment of fire; because Mat. 25:41, where their condemnation is declared, mention is made of fire only, in the words: "Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire." Objection 2: Further, even as the punishment of purgatory is due to venial sin, so is the punishment of hell due to mortal sin. Now no other punishment but that of fire is stated to be in purgatory, as appears from the words of 1 Cor. 3:13: "The fire
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members of the Household?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law set forth unsuitable precepts about the members of the household. For a slave "is in every respect his master's property," as the Philosopher states (Polit. i, 2). But that which is a man's property should be his always. Therefore it was unfitting for the Law to command (Ex. 21:2) that slaves should "go out free" in the seventh year. Objection 2: Further, a slave is his master's property, just as an animal, e.g. an ass or an ox. But it is commanded (Dt.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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