Job 12:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

These statements are not intended for the descendants of Aaron, who had passed away by this time, but rather for the priests like Job and Melchizedek. If indeed there are genuine and sacred priests being described, how can it be asserted that they are taken aback? Clearly, they are astonished by the wonders performed against the wicked through God's divine purpose. Therefore, Job continues to reveal the astonishing events that occur at the command of God in the sea, among the nations, and among rulers and leaders—those who excel in strength, wielding weapons, and engaging in battle.

He removes the restraints of rulers and adorns them with a bridle and reins. Those who are adept at rightly governing their desires are rightly referred to as 'rulers.' However, when pride enters the mind due to the perception of significant self-restraint, it is often the case that the Almighty permits such individuals to succumb to immoral actions because of their arrogance. Thus, He strips rulers of their restraints, particularly when those who appeared to have control over their desires are stripped of their purity due to pride. What are these 'constraints' if not sin? As Solomon states, his own transgressions ensnare him, leading him into the bondage of his wrongdoing, for in Proverbs 5:22, it is noted that he falls into the shackles of his sin.

Job finds himself troubled by his companions who exclusively attribute wisdom to themselves and refuse to accept his assertion that happiness does not necessarily follow righteousness in life. He emphasizes to them that the lives of all beings, as well as the destinies of humanity, are determined by the sovereignty of God. Furthermore, he highlights that the wise elders, whose life experiences underpin the friends' convictions, have crafted a melody celebrating God’s providential workings in the lives of all individuals, including the powerful, the noble, and the wise.