איוב, פרק י״ב, פסוק כ׳

God's absolute control over the world is often revealed in sudden, dramatic ways, particularly through His ability to instantly strip away the talents of society's most respected and articulate figures. The primary approach among commentators is that these esteemed figures are highly eloquent individuals, masters of rhetoric who possess a deep command of language [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם, רלב״ג, רמב״ן]. Others view them through a social and intellectual lens, identifying them as stable, established leaders [ביאור שטיינזלץ], or as wise figures who have earned the complete trust of the public due to their good sense [רמב״ן, רלב״ג]. Regardless of how they gained their status, God can suddenly remove their capacity to speak. These leaders lose their ability to express themselves, unable to translate the thoughts in their hearts into words. They are left entirely mute in the face of reality, stripped of their power to lead or offer guidance in the public square [מצודת דוד, רמב״ן, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Taking a completely different approach, some focus on the spiritual nature of these trusted individuals, viewing them as people of deep faith. Yet, even those with profound belief can occasionally stumble in their speech, much like the forefather Abraham, who believed in God but still questioned how he would know he was to inherit the land [רש״י]. Another historical perspective views these faithful individuals as the Israelites standing at the edge of the Red Sea. Because of their immense faith, God removed their need for speech, telling them there was no reason to cry out in prayer, but rather, they simply needed to march forward into the water [אלשיך].

This divine removal of ability extends to the elders of society, who are universally understood to be the wise men and scholars respected for their age and deep understanding [רלב״ג, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. The core essence of their speech, meaning their intellectual capacity to bring proofs, logical reasoning, and deep insight, is taken away [מצודת ציון, רמב״ן, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. When God removes their best arguments and their ability to reason, the public is left completely without leadership, lacking anyone who can guide them or hold them back from poor decisions [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, רמב״ן].

Continuing with the historical interpretation, these elders can also represent the forefathers of the nation, Isaac and Jacob. The reasoning that is taken away refers to the merit of their suffering and wandering as strangers. God deliberately removed this specific argument to invalidate the claims of the guardian angel of Egypt, thereby allowing the Israelites to achieve an early redemption before their decreed four hundred years of exile were complete [אלשיך].