If they shall hear and observe, they shall accomplish their days in good, and their years in glory.
אִֽם־יִשְׁמְע֗וּ וְֽיַ֫עֲבֹ֥דוּ יְכַלּ֣וּ יְמֵיהֶ֣ם בַּטּ֑וֹב וּ֝שְׁנֵיהֶ֗ם בַּנְּעִימִֽים׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Hypocrites conceal their resentment within and fail to call upon Him when He restrains them. In his remarks, Job appears to subtly reference Elihu, who behaves in a hypocritical and unjust manner, pretending to be a person of great significance.
If they listen and witness His ways, their lives will be filled with abundance, and their summers will be filled with joy; however, if they do not heed His call, they will face destruction by the sword and perish in their foolishness (Job 36:11-12). The term ‘good’ signifies righteous actions, while ‘glory’ represents heavenly rewards. Thus, those who are guided by Divine commands will find their days enriched with goodness and their summers adorned with glory. Their lives are characterized by virtuous deeds, and they complete their journeys with the blessings of eternal reward. Nevertheless, those who refuse to listen shall meet their end through the sword and vanish in their own folly. Divine retribution will strike them with grief, and they will find their demise in ignorance.
Yet, some individuals remain unyielding despite suffering, as the prophet declared, “Thou smitest them, and they feel no pain; Thou scourgest them, and they will not receive correction” (Jer. 5:3). Furthermore, it was proclaimed regarding Babylon that “We healed Babylon, but it was not healed” (Jer. 51:9), and again, “I have slain and destroyed my people, and yet they have not turned from their way” (Jer. 15:7). Their calamities often exacerbate their condition, as pain may either further entrench them in their obstinacy or, even worse, lead them to blasphemy. It is accurately stated that they perish by the sword and are lost in folly, for their tribulations only serve to amplify the transgressions they should be addressing. They feel the blows of divine judgment and cannot escape the afflictions of just punishment. This binding obsession with folly constrains them so tightly that even suffering fails to steer them away from their malevolence. Consequently, it becomes evident:
After receiving no response from Job this time, Elihu makes a renewed attempt to demonstrate the justice of God as manifested in the actions of the world. He asserts that the Lord does not punish unjustly and is concerned about the righteousness of the upright. Suffering is sent as a means of purifying them from sin; should they repent, they will be rewarded. Conversely, those who remain unrepentant and hypocritical will face severe condemnation. Therefore, Job has the opportunity for salvation if he maintains his righteousness; however, if he is wicked, he will not escape the consequences of punishment.
To illustrate this truth, it is sufficient for Job to observe the greatness of God's works. The wonders of nature serve as evidence of God's care for humanity and His just distribution of blessings and afflictions. Rain and lightning are wielded by His hands either as instruments of punishment or as vehicles of mercy. Since humanity cannot fully comprehend the reasons behind these miraculous phenomena and is certainly unable to replicate them, it is essential to relinquish the urge to challenge God and instead yield to His will in humble reverence.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS