.22:1-30.

Back to Job~

Back to Contents

Job 22:1-26:14 THIRD ROUND OF ARGUMENT

Eliphaz speaks (Job 22:1-30)

In the first two rounds Eliphaz had not been as severe on Job as the others. Now, however, he attacks Job with specific accusations.

He argues that since a person can add nothing to God, God would not make Job suffer in the hope of gaining some benefit for himself. The reason for Job’s suffering must lie with Job, not with God (Job 22:1-3.

Note how once again Eliphaz refers back to the main part of his dream; cf. Job 4:17-19).

And since God would not punish Job for his reverence, he must be punishing him for his sin (Job 22:4-5).

Eliphaz’s accusation is that Job has heartlessly oppressed others to make himself rich (Job 22:6-9), and that is why God is now punishing him (Job 22:10-11).

According to Eliphaz, Job practises all this evil because he thinks God is so far away that he cannot see him and will not punish him (Job 22:12-14).

This was the way wicked people in former ages thought and behaved. They ignored God in spite of the benefits they received from his gracious blessings (Job 22:15-18).

The godly rightly rejoice when they see such people consumed in fiery judgment (Job 22:19-20).

In view of the certain punishment of the wicked, Eliphaz urges Job to submit humbly to God and repent (Job 22:21-23).

Job must learn to look for his satisfaction in God, not in wealth (Job 22:24-26).

Then God will answer his prayers and give him all that he desires (Job 22:27-30).