איוב, פרק כ״א, פסוק ו׳

Observing the gap between divine justice and the actual events of the world can evoke a deep fear. Job is caught in a painful reality. He endures severe suffering, yet he watches wicked people achieve continuous success. This deeply shakes his understanding of how God oversees the world.

His friends, such as Zophar, argue that the happiness of the wicked is fleeting and that punishment will strike them immediately. Job, however, observes something entirely different. He sees cruel individuals and their descendants enjoying lasting prosperity [תקות אנוש]. Whenever he reflects on this twisted reality and formulates his arguments, the thoughts overwhelm him [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He is haunted by the question of why evil people live long lives. This confusion grows stronger when he recalls historical examples, such as the wicked generation of the Flood, who enjoyed immense power and success [רש״י, אלשיך].

These heavy thoughts trigger a severe reaction, causing Job to be gripped by sudden panic and violent physical trembling [מצודת ציון, אבן עזרא]. Commentators offer different perspectives on the exact nature of this intense shuddering. The primary approach among commentators explains that the panic stems directly from contemplating the evil deeds themselves and the disturbing reality where wickedness thrives. The sheer weight of his own arguments brings him deep distress [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, another perspective views this trembling as a profound expression of the fear of God. According to this view, Job is horrified by the possibility that his questions might be interpreted as heresy or as a rejection of His ways. Knowing with absolute certainty that truth and justice rest entirely with God, he is terrified that his struggle to understand will be mistaken for rebellion [אלשיך].