Definition: All darkness [shall be] hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Job 20:26. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about suffering and God’s protection. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about suffering being inescapable for someone who relies on God’s protection – specifically, their “tabernacle.” It suggests that if you’re left without God’s help, your problems will be overwhelming and devastating. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “All darkness [shall be] hid in his secret places…” - This is a metaphorical way of saying that suffering or hardship will be hidden from us. "Secret places" means things we can’t easily see or understand. It implies that the pain and difficulties we face are not always obvious. “…a fire not blown shall consume him…” - This is the core of the verse. A literal “fire” isn't meant to be taken literally, but it represents intense suffering, hardship, or even death. The "not blown" part is crucial – it means this suffering won’t be a sudden burst of pain; it will build slowly and relentlessly. “it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.” - This refers to God's dwelling place – the “tabernacle” – which was a portable home for God on Earth during the time of Abraham. "Goes ill" means things become bad, disastrous, or painful for the person who is relying on God’s protection. So, what does it mean practically? The verse suggests that if you're not secure in your relationship with God, your problems will be incredibly difficult to handle. The idea is that relying solely on your own strength and resources won't be enough to overcome the challenges life throws at you. God’s presence and protection are vital for survival against adversity. Important Note: This verse isn’t about avoiding suffering – it’s about recognizing that suffering can be inescapable if we aren’t connected to God. It emphasizes a reliance on God's strength and plan, even when things seem hopeless. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect this verse to a specific theme in the Bible (like faith, suffering, or trust)? Provide some context about the ancient world where this passage was written?