Job 12:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

While some elements are omitted, it is necessary to note that this interpretation commences with the verse stating, "The robbers have many tents" (Job 12:6), and extends to the following statement, "Their sweetness is for the weak," which encompasses so much content that it is impractical to present it all comprehensively within a single volume. Thus, it is advisable for those who have the freedom to engage deeply to explore the subsequent sections that are elaborately written, while this portion may best serve those who lack the time for thorough reading, as it does not fully express all thoughts but briefly highlights key points. Therefore, kind reader, accept this stylistic shift, for just as a change in meal preparation can be refreshing when one often consumes the same fare, so too can this varied approach to expression be beneficial. As you engage with the other sections, keep in mind what has already been articulated: the blessed Job, referred to as ‘Mourner,’ signifies the sufferings of our Lord and His Body, represented by the holy Church, and his friends symbolize heretics who, though attempting to defend, ultimately offend God. They falsely incite and harm the souls of the faithful. However, not all their statements are void of merit and unworthy of consideration concerning the truth; frequently, they intertwine sensible observations with foolishness and truth with falsehood. Thus, while they may initially present an element of truth, they easily pivot towards falsehood. Therefore, Job's companions are at times worthy of disdain and at other times deserving of commendation. The holy man sometimes rebukes them for their failings while at other times acknowledges their insights, even converting their assertions into righteousness, despite their flawed articulation; he scorns them when they mock his poverty and, while physically in a lowly state, reveals the depth of his inner richness when he asserts that the wealth of this world is of little worth, describing it as being lavishly granted even to the children of destruction. He asserts, "The robbers' tents are many, and they anger God with boldness; when He has given all things into their hands" (Job 12:6).

2. It is often easier for a person to disregard riches when they possess them, yet difficult to deem wealth as insignificant when it is lacking. Thus, the profound disdain for worldly possessions within the heart of blessed Job is evidenced when he claims that these valued items bring no benefit, even when he finds himself stripped of everything. He articulates, "The robbers' tents are many, and they anger God with impudence," for it is common that those who are wicked oppose God even more vehemently as they accrue blessings from His grace, despite their inherent emptiness. Individuals thought to improve through abundant gifts often descend further into depravity as a result of such advantages.

3. It is essential to discern why they are referred to as ‘robbers,’ given that it is stated, "when He has given all things into their hands." If they are indeed robbers, having seized their possessions through force, it stands to reason that God does not support those who employ violence. Therefore, how is it to be understood that He bestows upon them what they unlawfully acquire? We must recognize that there is a distinction between what the Almighty God graciously provides and what He permits to be acquired in His wrath. The unjust actions of robbers are contrary to righteousness, yet the Just Distributor allows them to act, so that a person who steals, blinded by ignorance, may amplify their own guilt, and the victim of such theft may endure their hardship without facing punishment for prior sins. For instance, consider a man who occupies a position between mountains, lurking for unwary travelers. If a traveler has committed some wrongdoing, God may administer earthly consequences for their transgression, yielding him to the hands of such a brigand. In this case, the robber committing an unjust act is simultaneously permitted by the Just Judge to proceed, allowing both to fulfill the just outcome of their actions: the robber may atone for his unlawful deeds, while the victim may eventually incur worse penalties for past offenses that God allowed the brigand to inflict as a retribution for prior wrongs. The one who suffers is cleansed; their guilt compounds through wickedness, yet they may be restored to repentance or, should they face eternal condemnation, endure such burdens for as long as they reside in sin. With one, divine mercy aims to steer them away from sin, while with the other, severity adds to their guilt if they do not repent; for the first group's wrongs are erased through suffering, whereas the latter's accumulate as they persist in wrongdoing. Therefore, it is righteous and honorable for the Almighty God to permit what He forbids, allowing unrighteous acts in order to enact greater penalties later on. Hence, it is fitting to state, "The robbers' tents are many, and they anger God with boldness; when He has given all things into their hands," for that which is wrongfully taken from others, He compensates for, as He could have prevented them from plundering had He intended to show them mercy.

MORAL INTERPRETATION 4. Moreover, we can draw understanding about spiritual matters from this. Frequently, it happens that some, though blessed with gifts, strive to exalt themselves above others. They provoke Almighty God by elevating themselves among their peers through the receipt of His blessings. Such individuals are rightly termed ‘robbers,’ as they utilize words to convey meanings they fail to manifest in their actions, thus robbing the righteousness owed through service. However, since their words of divine grace influence others to turn away from wickedness, these ‘robbers’ still enjoy the good things bestowed from above.