Job 35:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

13:12), but there will come a day when you shall behold the light clearly. Thus, the current age represents night, necessitating the appointment of "watchmen" during this time. These guardians are charged with protecting those who are ensnared in the darkness from robbers, beasts, and adversaries. Who are these sentinels? They are the militant angels (Psalm 33:8).

In essence, cannot you perceive that all is arranged in an orderly fashion, just like within an army, and that each being occupies its designated position with utmost accuracy? None breaches their designated limits or encroaches on others; when the watchmen fulfill their duty, the sleeping assembly remains unharmed. Observe the wild beasts: as they venture forth, humanity lies in slumber. They ought not to assault towns or bring ruin to those ensnared in sleep.

Certain individuals aim to destroy our surroundings, while others gradually waste our internal resources simply because they are displeased with them. In terms of existence, our habits are superior to external circumstances since the gravest oppressor is the one who assaults our virtues through sinful behavior, rather than the one who merely harms our external world through direct force. Even though their actions might not yield any benefit from us, they nonetheless exemplify destruction. Consequently, they impose a more severe oppression upon us, awakening temptation within our quiet hearts. While they might fail to convince us through their actions, they introduce the challenge of temptation. We endure the heavy burden of their existence, suffering inwardly from what we must strive diligently to overcome. Since the life of the unrighteous permeates this world to torment us, it is rightly said that they will cry out because of the multitude of oppressors. Sometimes, these wicked individuals attempt to seize what they cannot achieve through persuasion by resorting to unrestrained violence, thus it is properly stated: they will weep because of the strength of the tyrants' hand. The one who leads us into sin by his example embodies the voice of oppression. Conversely, the one who attempts to frighten us into sin employs tyranny’s force. To discuss vices based on someone's actions is one matter; to force that behavior upon another is quite another. When we witness examples of evil deeds, it's as if we hear the voice of the oppressor, but when coerced into sin, we submit to the tyranny within our hearts. However, the hearts of the strong, grounded in God, scorn these assaults, especially as they realize they can defy the covenants of their Creator. As they anticipate the rewards of eternity, they gain resilience against their foes; when the intensity of the struggle escalates, they know that a more glorious victory awaits them. Thus, as long as the desires of the elect remain subject, they triumph over adversity, much like a fire that is stoked by the wind to blaze even more brightly. They draw strength from the very challenges that seem to threaten their extinguishment. This illustrates the immense longing for God within us, as we approach Him not through a gentle and easy path, but through rough and difficult ways. The prophet aptly confirms this by stating, “Who gave my feet the feet of a deer,” as noted in Psalm 17:34. Just as the deer climbs through mountainous terrain, skillfully navigating rocky paths and tangles of thorns without losing momentum, so too does the mind of the elect leap over perceived obstacles in this world, resolutely disregarding the thorns of worldly distraction to rise to loftier heights. He repeats, “And with my God I will leap over a wall,” from Psalms 17:30. Here, 'the wall' represents every barrier placed in our path that could hinder our progress toward our beloved. We manage to overcome that wall when we traverse any challenges this world presents, driven by love for our heavenly home. Thus, the Lord speaks to the struggling soul through the prophet, stating, “I have heard thee in the hidden place of the storm, I have tested thee upon the waters of contradiction” as found in Psalm 80:8. The ‘hidden place of the storm’ signifies the tumult we experience when the waves of tempting thoughts rise within a troubled heart, and the rush of worldly concerns clashes with the fervor of divine love. In this tumult, the restless sorrow echoes the cries of the faithful petitioners. However, since their desire is never completely for the good—trying to lead astray those who seek righteousness—the waters of contradiction thwart them. Given that our intentions are tested against every form of adversity, the phrasing “I have tested thee upon the waters of contradiction” is fitting. Through these virtuous endeavors, we gain significant success against challenges, yet may only achieve feeble triumphs in the face of obstacles, which can lead to stagnation in our aspirations. When substantial tribulation strikes, some falter due to cowardice. When Eliouus chastises the blessed Job for his weakness, he first addresses the oppression of the wicked before immediately pointing to the cowardice that dwells in the feeble.