To whom alone the earth was given, and no stranger hath passed among them.
לָהֶ֣ם לְ֭בַדָּם נִתְּנָ֣ה הָאָ֑רֶץ וְלֹא־עָ֖בַר זָ֣ר בְּתוֹכָֽם׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
The outsider did not prevail against them. Indeed, blessed are those who embrace tranquility and share it with their heirs. They have not known conflict, have not witnessed combat, nor have they risen in insurrection. Instead, they have stood firm and valiant; they have triumphed and drawn forth strength and might, reveling in profound peace.
And indeed, when a mountain crumbles, it departs, and the rock shifts from its original position. The waters wash away the stones, and gradually erode the earth, thus you bring destruction upon man. Job 14:18-19.
Moral Interpretation: Frequently, when a rock collapses, it dislodges pieces that are transported elsewhere; similarly, as waters carry away stones, the earth gradually erodes under their flow. We must pay close attention to the implications of this imagery: it points to the ruin of humanity. This passage reveals two types of temptation. The first is a sudden trial that even a virtuous person might face, akin to an unexpected natural disaster. In such instances, the temptation may strike so swiftly that one becomes unaware of their fall until it has already occurred.
The second type of temptation, on the other hand, seeps in gradually; gentle enticements slowly corrupt the soul of one who strives to resist. It is not the severity of the temptation that exhausts one’s righteousness, but rather its insidious nature.
Thus, while one form of temptation may suddenly bring a person low, it is fitting to say, "The mountain, when it falls, departs," and "the rock is displaced." This reflects how a righteous mind, once established in virtue, can be swiftly drawn into sin by an unexpected urge. In contrast, the other form of temptation creeps gently into the human heart, eroding one’s resolve, hence, "The waters wash away the stones." For example, lust’s subtle and soft flattery gradually depletes the soul's strength, eroding firm resolve. Therefore, it is rightly said, "being washed away little by little, the earth is corroded." Just as flowing water gradually wears down the earth, so too does a harmful habit, creeping in unnoticed, consume even the strongest minds.
Consequently, it is well noted: "and also Thou destroyest man." This occurs when temptation swiftly overtakes the mind of a righteous individual who stands firm; thus, "the mountain, falling, departs," and when inclined towards evil, "the rock is displaced." Conversely, when you permit a slow yet persistent temptation to dominate those deemed strong, "the waters carry away the stones, and, being washed away little by little, the earth is corroded," as the mind’s hardness is softened by gentle temptation.
Let us consider David, the ‘high mountain,’ elevated to perceive divine mysteries through the prophetic Spirit. Yet we must also acknowledge how he ‘slipped’ through a sudden fall, succumbing to lust, taking another man's wife, and causing her husband's death, while losing his own army. The mountain fell away when his mind, accustomed to heavenly truths, was overtaken by a sudden temptation, leading to grave moral corruption. Thus, the rock shifted from its place when the prophet’s mind closed off from prophetic insights, resorting instead to base thoughts.
Let's also regard how the waters wash away the stones, and how, bit by bit, the earth erodes, as seen in Solomon. His excessive and frequent associations with women led him to construct temples for idols. Before building a temple for God, he was swayed by his lustful inclinations, unafraid to raise shrines to false gods. Consequently, the unrelenting corruption of the flesh diverted him spiritually. Isn’t this a clear example of "the waters carry away the stones, and, being washed away little by little, the earth is corroded"? Sin's gradual encroachment caused his heart to deteriorate.
Thus, let blessed Job reflect on both types of temptation, whether abrupt and overwhelming, or subtle and prolonged. Observing the downfalls of others, he should grasp this overarching truth: "And surely the mountain, when it falls, goes away, and the rock goes out of its place. The waters carry away the rocks, and, being washed away little by little, the earth is corroded, and likewise Thou destroyest man." Just as these elements may fall suddenly or gradually erode over time, so too can the intelligent being You have created be overturned by a sudden trial or by a slow, gentle temptation. This intelligent being is depicted in the following words:
In his second address, Eliphaz challenges Job's justifications with renewed fervor, deeming his words baseless and even contrary to divine truth, implying that Job dismisses the necessity of prayer (15: 1-4). Eliphaz aims to confront Job using his own statements, highlighting themes of hypocrisy and arrogance, as Job attributes to himself the wisdom and insights of the elders (5-12). He forgets that no one can stand blameless before God, thereby claiming his own righteousness (13-16). Eliphaz juxtaposes Job's testimony with the ancient wisdom of their forebears, who were noted for their longevity and understanding. These ancestors affirmed that the life of the wicked is fraught with perpetual dread and a sorrowful end, particularly due to their hubris before God (17-35).
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS