איוב, פרק ד׳, פסוק ט״ו

A sudden encounter with the supernatural often triggers not just emotional dread, but a profound physical reaction. In a deeply mysterious moment, an unearthly presence approaches, plunging the observer into sheer terror. The event begins with something passing directly over his face, moving closely by and then continuing onward [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון]. Commentators offer different perspectives on the exact nature of this presence. It may be a sudden gust of wind felt against the skin or a heavenly spirit [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, the experience is understood as a speaking angel crossing his path [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון].

Regardless of its exact form, the sheer intensity of this passing entity strikes with overwhelming force, resulting in a severe physical shock [רמב״ן, מלבי״ם]. The immediate reaction to this panic is that the hair on his body stands on end, mirroring the natural human response to sudden, extreme fright [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The primary approach among commentators is that this physical reaction is intensely rigid. Gripped by immense fear, the body hairs stiffen and stand completely straight, resembling hard nails or pegs firmly planted in place [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם, רמב״ן בשם רב האי גאון]. Another perspective adds a deeper sensory layer of trembling and shivering. In this view, the imagery of a nail goes beyond mere stiffness to convey a sharp, intense pain, as though a nail were actually being driven directly into the flesh itself [אבן עזרא בשם רב האי גאון].