But if they hear not, they shall pass by the sword, and shall be consumed in folly.
וְאִם־לֹ֣א יִ֭שְׁמְעוּ בְּשֶׁ֣לַח יַעֲבֹ֑רוּ וְ֝יִגְוְע֗וּ כִּבְלִי־דָֽעַת׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Hypocrites conceal their resentment within, failing to call out to Him when He restricts them. Job appears to indirectly reference Eliouj through these statements, as he behaves in a hypocritical and unjust manner, pretending to be someone of great importance.
If they listen to Him and witness His works, their days will be filled with abundance, and their seasons will be marked by joy; however, if they refuse to listen, they will be cut down by the sword and meet their end in foolishness (Job 36:11-12). The term ‘good’ signifies virtuous actions, while ‘glory’ represents the rewards of heaven. Thus, those who learn to adhere to the Divine commandments will spend their days in goodness and their seasons in glory, walking the path of righteousness and achieving their goals with divine favor. Yet, those who remain unheeding will face destruction by the sword and perish in folly, as vengeance visits them in their sorrow, and their end arrives in foolishness.
Some individuals are so entrenched in their ways that even affliction cannot divert them from their stubbornness. The prophet testified of them, saying, “Thou smitest them, and they feel no pain; Thou scourgest them, and they will not receive correction” (Jer. 5:3). Similarly, it was said of Babylon, “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). Calamities often lead to a worsening of their condition, as pain either causes them to become even more obstinate or, worse still, drives them to blasphemy. Therefore, it is accurate to say they die by the sword and perish in foolishness, for through their trials, they only add to the sins they should have repented of. They feel the sting of judgment and cannot escape the repercussions of divine justice. Their fixation on folly leads them into such iniquity that even the threat of punishment fails to deter them from wrongdoing.
With Job remaining silent in response, Elihu takes the opportunity to further establish his argument regarding the righteousness of God as revealed through the workings of creation. He asserts that the Lord acts justly and is attentive to the integrity of the righteous. Suffering is bestowed upon them as a means of purification from sin; should they turn from their ways, they will receive His favor and blessings. Conversely, those who remain unrepentant and hypocritical will face severe judgment. Therefore, Job will find salvation if he is truly righteous; however, if he is wicked, no means will prevent his punishment. This truth underscores the reality that one cannot escape divine judgment, and to understand this, Job ought to reflect on the majesty of God’s creations.
All aspects of nature testify to God's concern for humanity and illustrate how His blessings and afflictions are justly allotted. The elements of rain and thunder, lightning and storms are wielded by His hand as instruments of either discipline or grace. Given that man cannot fully grasp the complexities of these miraculous events or replicate them, he must relinquish any desire to contest God and instead submit in humble awe before His sovereign will.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS