1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
2 Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?
3 [Is it] any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or [is it] gain [to him], that thou makest thy ways perfect?
4 Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?
5 [Is] not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?
6 For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.
7 Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.
8 But [as for] the mighty man, he had the earth; and the honourable man dwelt in it.
9 Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.
10 Therefore snares [are] round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee;
11 Or darkness, [that] thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee.
12 [Is] not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!
13 And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud?
14 Thick clouds [are] a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven.
15 Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden?
16 Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood:
17 Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?
18 Yet he filled their houses with good [things]: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
19 The righteous see [it], and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn.
20 Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth.
21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.
23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.
24 Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the [gold] of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.
25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.
26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.
27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.
28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
29 When [men] are cast down, then thou shalt say, [There is] lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.
30 He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands.
Overview of Job Chapter 22
Job Chapter 22 is a critical part of the dialogue between Job and his friends, particularly focusing on the speech of Eliphaz the Temanite. This chapter marks a significant moment in the narrative as it encapsulates the themes of suffering, divine justice, and human righteousness. Eliphaz accuses Job of wrongdoing, suggesting that his suffering is a direct consequence of his sins.
Key Themes
- Accusation of Sin: Eliphaz asserts that Job’s misfortunes are a result of his own actions and moral failings.
- Divine Retribution: The chapter emphasizes the belief in retributive justice, where good is rewarded and evil is punished.
- Human Limitations: Eliphaz suggests that humans cannot comprehend God’s ways and that Job’s understanding is flawed.
- Call to Repentance: Eliphaz encourages Job to repent and turn back to God to restore his fortunes.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-4: Eliphaz questions Job’s integrity and implies that his suffering is unjustifiable.
- Verses 5-11: He lists Job’s alleged sins, painting a picture of a man who has wronged others and neglected the needy.
- Verses 12-20: Eliphaz argues that God is too great to be concerned with human affairs, thus implying Job’s insignificance.
- Verses 21-30: The chapter concludes with a call for Job to reconcile with God, promising restoration if he repents.
Analysis of Key Verses
Verses 1-4: Questioning Job’s Integrity
Eliphaz opens with a series of rhetorical questions that challenge Job’s righteousness. He implies that Job’s suffering is a reflection of his character, suggesting that God would not punish an innocent man. This sets the tone for the accusatory nature of Eliphaz’s speech.
Verses 5-11: Allegations of Sin
In these verses, Eliphaz enumerates specific sins that he believes Job has committed, such as oppression and neglect of the poor. This section illustrates the traditional view of retributive justice, where suffering is seen as a direct punishment for wrongdoing. Eliphaz’s accusations serve to alienate Job further, as they lack evidence and are based on assumptions.
Verses 12-20: God’s Greatness
Eliphaz shifts to a theological argument, emphasizing God’s omnipotence and transcendence. He suggests that God is beyond human understanding and that Job’s troubles are insignificant in the grand scheme. This perspective diminishes Job’s suffering and reinforces the idea that he cannot question God’s justice.
Verses 21-30: Call to Repentance
The chapter culminates in a plea for Job to repent and return to God. Eliphaz promises that if Job does so, he will experience restoration and blessings. This conclusion reflects a common belief in the power of repentance and the possibility of reconciliation with God.
Conclusion
Job Chapter 22 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the conflict between Job’s experience of suffering and the traditional beliefs of his friends regarding divine justice. Eliphaz’s speech illustrates the challenges faced by those who suffer and the often simplistic explanations offered by others. The chapter raises profound questions about the nature of suffering, the character of God, and the complexities of human morality.
