Job 5:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Ironically, these afflictions often draw the afflicted soul closer to its Creator. Hence, it is also said: "And the beasts of the earth are thy peacemakers" (Job 5:23).

It is important to note that he does not use the term 'peaceful,' but rather 'peacemakers.' This implies that they are actively involved in the creation of peace rather than merely existing in it. The adversaries may launch assaults, yet the burdened soul becomes increasingly eager to return to its heavenly home, humbled before its compassionate Savior, especially upon recognizing the cruel schemes of its foes. The beasts of the earth serve as 'peacemakers' for the elect, as the malevolent spirits that attempt to drag down the hearts of the faithful inadvertently lead them towards the love of God. Thus, a profound peace with God emerges from the very source that inspires our fiercest battles against opposition.

The term 'beasts' can also refer to the urges of the flesh, which, while injuring the spirit and provoking irrational behavior, rise against us like wild animals. Yet when the heart is submitted to divine law, the urges of the flesh weaken such that, despite their temptations, they do not culminate in wrongful actions or overt rebellion. Indeed, who can fully tame these earthly beasts while entangled in this mortal flesh? Even the great apostle who ascended to the third Heaven confessed: "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members" (Rom. 7:23). Recognizing these beasts in action is one thing; keeping them restrained within the heart is another. When compelled by the bonds of self-control, they may still roar with temptation but cannot advance to the point of acting out in sin.

These earthly beasts act as 'peacemakers' in that, while the passions of the flesh surge within us, they do not confront us with blatant hostility towards righteousness. Instead, these inner motions 'make peace' with God for us, as they provoke challenges through temptation. The righteous mind, focused on the higher realms, suffers from the struggles emanating from this fragile body. Should it ever be momentarily distracted from even the slightest worldly pleasure, this ongoing war of temptation propels it toward unwavering devotion. Consequently, the mind recalls the peace it once knew and tries to evade the allurements of the flesh, which continue to long for its hold.

Temptation urges each individual to recognize their descent from divine peace, revealing how internal conflict arises through their own actions. In this process, one realizes what has been lost by drifting away from steadfast love for God, and those who fall into self-reproach become aware of their own grievances. Therefore, the beasts of the earth 'make peace' for us, as the flesh's temptations challenge us, compelling us toward a deeper love for genuine inner tranquility. This realization is rightly followed by the affirmation that...