איוב, פרק ט״ז, פסוק י״ב

A life of total peace can be shattered in an instant, replaced by sudden physical and mental ruin. Job experiences exactly this violent transition, finding himself the helpless victim of systematic and cruel torture. The assault is much like that of a vicious predator, such as a lion, toying with its prey. The beast attacks, allows its victim a brief moment to attempt an escape, only to capture it once again and crush it completely [מלבי״ם]. Disaster strikes without warning, tearing away a quiet and comfortable existence [מצודת דוד].

There are different views regarding the identity of the one delivering these blows. Some maintain that Job is expressing his anger directly at God for bringing upon him such intense suffering [רמב״ן, תקות אנוש]. Others suggest that the attacker is Satan or a wicked person to whom God has handed Job over [רש״י, אלשיך]. A unique perspective offers a broader reason for this suffering, suggesting that God deliberately positioned Job as a target for Satan to distract the accuser from focusing his attacks on the people of Israel [אלשיך].

The assault itself is intense, repeated, and overwhelmingly powerful [מלבי״ם, תקות אנוש]. It begins with violent shaking and tossing, breaking the body down into small pieces [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The attacker then grabs Job by the back of his head and neck [מצודת ציון]. This specific grip is deliberate; it is calculated to keep the spine intact so that the victim does not die immediately, ensuring he remains alive to endure further abuse [אלשיך]. Held firmly in this grasp, he is struck with a heavy, shattering blow that scatters the broken pieces in every direction, similar to a heavy hammer smashing a solid rock [רש״י, מצודות, רלב״ג, מלבי״ם].

Finally, after being entirely crushed and left unable to move, the victim is stood upright. He is positioned as a stationary target, set in place solely so the attacker can take aim and fire a continuous barrage of arrows filled with pain and suffering [מצודות, רלב״ג, מלבי״ם].