Job 22:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Conceding defeat, Eliphaz acknowledged this truth. Consequently, it became evident from the prior dialogue that Job was not sinful, and his sufferings should not serve as a measure of his character. Observe how he cruelly approaches the brink of denying Divine Providence.

BOOKWALKING Individuals who, in contradiction to the truths, engage in wrongful actions frequently restate widely acknowledged concepts, ensuring that their spoken words do not reveal their own suffering. Thus, Eliphaz, influenced by the statements of the righteous Job, expresses ideas that resonate universally. He poses the question: "Can a man be more righteous than God?" (Job 22:2). 1. When compared to God, our understanding is but folly; it is solely through our communion with Him, rather than through mere comparison, that we gain true wisdom. It is no surprise that the statements made are already familiar to everyone, even if they have not been explicitly studied. Furthermore, he earnestly seeks to affirm the might of God, as if to validate it. Volume Two, Part Three. Book XVI. In this section, having succinctly expounded upon the twenty-second and twenty-third chapters of Job, as well as the first twenty verses of the twenty-fourth chapter, the third part draws to a close.

Eliphaz presents his final accusation against Job, attempting to demonstrate that since a person’s righteousness holds no value for God, the afflictions from God should be viewed as expressions of His impartial judgment. He argues that it is deemed sinful when an individual has the chance to assist their neighbor but chooses not to do so. Job faces punishment for these very transgressions. In his futile attempts to reassure himself, Job believes that God, in His majesty, does not find it necessary to engage with the trivial matters of the world below. However, this line of thought mirrors that of the ancient wicked who held similar beliefs about God and met with sudden demise by flood and fire. Thus, Job is urged to turn to God with humility and contrition, and in response, the Lord will restore His favor and grant him blessings. These passages reference the deluge and the annihilation of Sodom.