Tyndale Open Study NotesJob 20

he will perish forever, like his own dung: Compare 1 Kings 14:9–11; 2 Kings 9:36–37; Psalm 83:10; Jeremiah 8:1–2.

Riches stolen do not provide benefits that last because they obtain them in a dishonest way (20:18–21).

venom of cobras … poison of cobras … vipers: In the end, evil people harm only themselves, not others (Matthew 3:7; Romans 3:13; Proverbs 23:29–35).

The streams of olive oil and rivers flowing with honey and cream represent great blessings (Exodus 5:19; Deuteronomy 27:3; Joel 3:18).

Like the grave or death, evil people always focus on themselves and never find satisfaction (Proverbs 27:20; 30:15–16; Ecclesiastes 5:19; Isaiah 57:20–21; Habakkuk 2:5).

Evil people cannot avoid trouble (see Isaiah 24:17–18; Jeremiah 15:2–3; Amos 5:19; 9:1–2). When they escape one threat, another confronts them.

Terrors: These are terrors of death. Although the specific words "of death" are not in the Hebrew text, they are understood because the description talks about an arrowhead that glistens with blood (literally with gall). This indicates a deadly hit on an important organ in the body (6:4; 16:13; Psalm 7:12). The image conveys the serious threat and intense fear that comes with being in mortal danger.

Images like darkness and fire often symbolize God's presence, especially his judgment (Deuteronomy 4:11; 5:22–23; Hebrews 12:18; Exodus 9:23–24; 10:21–29).

The heavens … will rise up: Compare Deuteronomy 4:26; 30:19; 31:28.