Job 5:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The offspring of this misguided individual originate from the proclamation of disbelief. They are distant from true joy, for although they may lead a temporary life devoid of pain, the weight of eternal judgment is far more severe. To such individuals, the Lord addresses: Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when you succeed, you render him a child of Gehenna, doubly worse than yourselves (Matthew 23:15). Consequently, they will face punishment at the gate, with no mediator to plead on their behalf. Who can be signified by the term “gate” if not the Mediator between God and humanity, Who declares: I am the door; if anyone enters by Me, he will be saved (John 10:9)? Yet, the children of such a foolish person will find themselves unable to pass through that door.

It is futile for Job to seek help from someone who is powerful or righteous, as calamity will inevitably follow the wicked; even if they enjoy temporary success, they will ultimately be cut off along with their entire household. From the moment of birth, every person is destined for tribulation; however, prayers to the Almighty and Just One rescue those who revere Him, while only the evildoers face downfall. The trials faced by the just should be embraced with joy, serving as assurance of future blessings. Eliphaz concludes that such insights are drawn from experience, and Job ought to reflect on his life in light of this wisdom.