◄ Job 22 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Eliphaz: Can a Man Be of Use to God? 1Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: 2“Can a man be of use to God? Can even a wise man benefit Him? 3Does it delight the Almighty that you are righteous? Does He profit if your ways are blameless? 4Is it for your reverence that He rebukes you and enters into judgment against you? 5Is not your wickedness great? Are not your iniquities endless? 6For you needlessly demanded security from your brothers and deprived the naked of their clothing. 7You gave no water to the weary and withheld food from the famished, 8while the land belonged to a mighty man, and a man of honor lived on it. 9You sent widows away empty-handed, and the strength of the fatherless was crushed. 10Therefore snares surround you, and sudden peril terrifies you; 11it is so dark you cannot see, and a flood of water covers you. 12Is not God as high as the heavens? Look at the highest stars, how lofty they are! 13Yet you say: ‘What does God know? Does He judge through thick darkness? 14Thick clouds veil Him so He does not see us as He traverses the vault of heaven.a’ 15Will you stay on the ancient path that wicked men have trod? 16They were snatched away before their time, and their foundations were swept away by a flood. 17They said to God, ‘Depart from us. What can the Almighty do to us?’ 18But it was He who filled their houses with good things; so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked. 19The righteous see it and are glad; the innocent mock them: 20‘Surely our foes are destroyed, and fire has consumed their excess.’ 21Reconcile now and be at peace with Him; thereby good will come to you. 22Receive instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart. 23If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored. If you remove injustice from your tents 24and consign your gold to the dust and the gold of Ophir to the stones of the ravines, 25then the Almighty will be your gold and the finest silver for you. 26Surely then you will delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God. 27You will pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. 28Your decisions will be carried out, and light will shine on your ways. 29When men are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then He will save the lowly. 30He will deliver even one who is not innocent, rescuing him through the cleanness of your hands.” Footnotes: 14 a Or heaven’s horizon or the circle of the sky Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Job 22 Summary Eliphaz: Can a Man Be of Use to God? Verses 1–5 – Eliphaz Questions Job’s Benefit to God Eliphaz opens by asking, “Can a man be of use to God?” (v2). He argues that God gains nothing from Job’s claimed righteousness, so Job’s losses cannot be Divine overreaction to piety. Eliphaz concludes that Job’s “wickedness is great” (v5), framing calamity as deserved punishment. Verses 6–11 – Charges of Social Injustice Eliphaz levels specific, unverified accusations: taking pledges from the poor, refusing water and bread, dispossessing widows, and crushing orphans. He links these alleged crimes to the snares, darkness, and flooding terror now engulfing Job (vv10–11). Verses 12–20 – God’s All-Seeing Judgment Eliphaz scoffs at any notion that thick clouds hide human behavior from God (vv13–14). He recalls the “ancient path” of the wicked swept away by a flood (v16), echoing Noah’s day. Though God had filled those people’s homes with “good things” (v18), their rejection led to fiery judgment (v20). Eliphaz urges Job to view his fate the same way. Verses 21–30 – Invitation to Repent and Be Restored A tender-sounding call follows the accusations: “Reconcile now and be at peace with Him” (v21). If Job will discard worldly treasure “to the dust” (v24) and return to the Almighty, God will become his gold, hear his prayers, shine light on his paths, and even rescue others “through the cleanness of your hands” (v30). Job 22 is the third and final speech given by Eliphaz, one of Job's three friends who came to comfort him in his time of suffering. In this chapter, Eliphaz amplifies his criticism and charges Job with specific sins, asserting that Job's wickedness is vast. He accuses Job of being unrighteous and offers a solution for his suffering – repentance. The chapter serves as an important critique on the friends' misunderstanding of Job's predicament and their inability to empathize with his suffering. Historical and Literary Background Job 22 begins the third cycle of speeches. Conversation is tightening: Bildad will offer only six verses in the next chapter, and Zophar is silent. Eliphaz, the eldest and often most measured, now sounds blunt and prosecutorial. Ancient near-eastern wisdom writings frequently used dialogue to test ideas; Eliphaz stands within that tradition, representing the common belief that suffering equals sin. His homeland, Teman in Edom (cf. Jeremiah 49:7), was famous for wisdom sayings, an image supported by archaeological discoveries of cuneiform instructional texts from that region. Speaker and Theology of Retribution Eliphaz trusts a strict reap-what-you-sow system: • Righteous living brings automatic blessing (Proverbs 10:24-25). • Sin brings disaster (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Unable to see Job’s hidden life, Eliphaz invents crimes to fit the calamity. His logic exposes the danger of applying general biblical patterns as iron laws without allowing for exceptions like Job, Joseph (Genesis 39-41), or the man born blind (John 9:1-3). Specific Accusations Compared to Mosaic Law 1. Seizing pledges (v6) contrasts Exodus 22:26-27, which protects the poor’s garments. 2. Refusing water and bread (v7) violates Deuteronomy 15:7-8. 3. Oppressing widows and orphans (v9) breaks Exodus 22:22-24. Eliphaz thus paints Job as a covenant breaker, though the prologue (Job 1:1) already told readers otherwise. Ancient Near-Eastern Legal Speech Courtroom language dominates chapter 22: “rebukes,” “enters into judgment,” “iniquities,” “plead.” Scholars find parallels in Mesopotamian trial texts where plaintiffs stack charges to force confession. Job knows this and will rebut in chapters 23-24. God’s Omniscience and Human Concealment Eliphaz’s vision of a God who sees through “thick darkness” (v13) agrees with 2 Chronicles 16:9—“For the eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth.” Job agrees too (Job 12:22) yet feels abandoned. The tension between doctrine and experience sits at the book’s core. Flood Imagery and Historical Memory References to foundations swept away by a flood (vv16-17) likely allude to the Genesis flood. Clay tablets from Ebla and Ugarit confirm that flood accounts circulated widely, underscoring that Eliphaz draws on shared cultural memory to argue that judgment still falls the same way. Restoration Promises and Prophetic Echoes Eliphaz’s call, “Return to the Almighty” (v23), resembles: • Isaiah 55:7 – “Let the wicked forsake his way… and He will abundantly pardon.” • 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If My people… turn from their wicked ways… I will heal their land.” He promises six outcomes: 1. Prosperity (“good will come to you,” v21). 2. Wisdom (“lay up His words,” v22). 3. Restoration (“you will be restored,” v23). 4. Spiritual treasure (“the Almighty will be your gold,” v25). 5. Effective prayer (“He will hear you,” v27). 6. Influence on others’ rescue (v30). Ironically, God will fulfill several of these for Job in chapter 42, but not because Job repents of invented crimes—instead, God vindicates him. Foreshadowing Intercession Verse 30 hints at a future figure who “will deliver even one who is not innocent,” pointing forward to Christ the innocent Intercessor (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:25). Job himself will become an intercessor for his friends (Job 42:8-10), turning Eliphaz’s words back on him. Archaeological Insights into Teman and Edomite Wisdom Excavations at Teman (modern-day Tawilan, Jordan) reveal large administrative buildings and trade routes linking Edom with Arabia and Judah. Ostraca inscribed with wisdom maxims show that Edom prized sagely discourse. Eliphaz’s oration fits this cultural backdrop, borrowing stock wisdom themes—justice, retribution, prosperity. Practical Application for Today • Guard against quick moral math that equates trouble with sin. Jesus warned against it when speaking of the tower of Siloam (Luke 13:4-5). • Examine accusations carefully; false charges wound already-hurting people. • Remember that God sees the heart and the hidden deed—comfort for sufferers and caution for oppressors. • Treasure God above “gold of Ophir” (v24). Modern idols include status, technology, and wealth. • Use influence to lift the lowly (v29) and become an agent of deliverance (v30), modeling Christlike advocacy. Connections to Additional Scriptures James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. This verse emphasizes the importance of listening before speaking, a lesson Eliphaz could have heeded. John 9:1-3 Jesus corrects the disciples' assumption that a man's blindness was due to sin, illustrating that suffering is not always a direct result of personal wrongdoing. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. This verse reassures us of God's sovereign plan, even in suffering. Teaching Points Eliphaz's Accusation Eliphaz begins by questioning the value of human righteousness to God, suggesting that Job's suffering is due to his alleged sins (Job 22:2-5). He accuses Job of specific wrongdoings, such as withholding water from the thirsty and food from the hungry (Job 22:7). Misunderstanding God's Justice Eliphaz assumes a retributive justice system where suffering is always a result of personal sin. He fails to understand the complexity of God's justice and the reality of innocent suffering (Job 22:4-5). Call to Repentance Despite his misguided accusations, Eliphaz urges Job to return to God, promising restoration and prosperity if he repents (Job 22:21-23). Theological Error Eliphaz's speech reflects a common theological error: the belief that material prosperity is a sign of God's favor, and suffering is a sign of His displeasure (Job 22:24-25). Practical Applications Avoiding Assumptions Be cautious in making assumptions about others' suffering. Recognize that not all suffering is a result of personal sin. Compassionate Listening When comforting others, prioritize listening and empathy over offering unsolicited advice or judgment. Seeking God's Wisdom In times of confusion or misunderstanding, seek God's wisdom through prayer and Scripture rather than relying solely on human reasoning. Repentance and Restoration While Eliphaz's call to repentance was misplaced, the principle of turning back to God remains vital. Regularly examine your heart and seek restoration with God. People 1. Eliphaz the Temanite Eliphaz is one of Job's three friends who come to comfort him during his time of suffering. In Job 22, Eliphaz speaks to Job, accusing him of various sins and urging him to return to God. Eliphaz's perspective is that suffering is a result of sin, and he believes that Job must have done something wrong to deserve his misfortunes. His speech reflects a traditional view of retributive justice, where good is rewarded and evil is punished. In the context of the Berean Standard Bible, Eliphaz's speech in Job 22 is a continuation of the dialogues between Job and his friends, where they attempt to explain Job's suffering through their understanding of God's justice. The Hebrew root words used in the text often emphasize themes of righteousness, wickedness, and repentance, which are central to Eliphaz's argument. Places In Job 22, there are no specific geographical places mentioned. The chapter primarily consists of Eliphaz the Temanite's speech to Job, focusing on moral and theological arguments rather than geographical locations. If you have any other questions or need further assistance with a different passage or topic, feel free to ask! Events 1. Eliphaz's Rebuke of Job Eliphaz the Temanite begins his third speech by questioning the value of a man's righteousness to God. He implies that Job's suffering is due to his own sinfulness. Eliphaz asks, "Can a man be of benefit to God?" (Job 22:2). 2. Accusation of Sin Eliphaz accuses Job of specific sins, suggesting that his suffering is a direct result of his actions. He claims, "Is it because of your reverence that He rebukes you and enters into judgment against you?" (Job 22:4). He lists alleged wrongdoings, such as withholding water from the weary and denying bread to the hungry (Job 22:7). 3. Call to Repentance Eliphaz urges Job to return to God, suggesting that repentance will restore his fortunes. He advises, "Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you" (Job 22:21). 4. Promise of Restoration Eliphaz promises that if Job repents, he will be restored and blessed. He states, "If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored" (Job 22:23). He emphasizes that Job will find delight in God and be able to lift up his face to Him (Job 22:26). 5. Assurance of God's Favor Eliphaz concludes by assuring Job that God will hear his prayers and that he will fulfill his vows. He says, "You will pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows" (Job 22:27). Lessons from Job 22 1. God’s Sovereignty is Unquestionable In Job 22, Eliphaz reminds us of God's supreme authority over all creation. He asks, "Can a man be of benefit to God?" (Job 22:2). This rhetorical question highlights that God is self-sufficient and does not need our help, yet He graciously involves us in His plans. Recognizing His sovereignty can bring peace and purpose to our lives. 2. Righteousness is Not a Bargaining Chip Eliphaz suggests that Job's suffering might be due to his lack of righteousness. He says, "Is it for your piety that He rebukes you?" (Job 22:4). This reminds us that our good deeds are not a currency to manipulate God. Instead, our righteousness should be a response to His love and grace, not a means to an end. 3. The Importance of Repentance Eliphaz encourages Job to return to God, saying, "Submit to God and be at peace with Him" (Job 22:21). Repentance is a powerful act that restores our relationship with God. It’s a reminder that no matter how far we stray, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms. 4. God’s Wisdom Surpasses Human Understanding Eliphaz speaks of God’s wisdom, which is beyond human comprehension. He states, "Is not God in the heights of heaven?" (Job 22:12). This serves as a reminder that our understanding is limited, and trusting in God’s wisdom is essential, especially when life doesn’t make sense. 5. Material Wealth is Not the Ultimate Goal Eliphaz warns against placing trust in material wealth, saying, "If you lay gold in the dust... the Almighty will be your gold" (Job 22:24-25). True wealth is found in a relationship with God, not in earthly possessions. This perspective helps us prioritize what truly matters. 6. God Hears the Humble Eliphaz assures Job that God listens to those who are humble and sincere. "You will pray to Him, and He will hear you" (Job 22:27). This is a comforting reminder that God values a humble heart and is always ready to listen to our prayers. 7. The Power of Intercession Eliphaz highlights the power of intercession, saying, "You will intercede for him, and he will be restored" (Job 22:30). This underscores the importance of praying for others, as our prayers can have a profound impact on their lives and bring about restoration. 8. Aligning with God Brings Peace Eliphaz encourages Job to align himself with God, promising peace as a result. "Submit to God and be at peace with Him" (Job 22:21). This teaches us that true peace comes from aligning our lives with God’s will, rather than pursuing our own agendas. 9. God’s Light Guides Us Eliphaz speaks of God’s light shining on our paths, "He will light your way" (Job 22:28). This metaphor reminds us that God’s guidance is like a light in the darkness, leading us through life’s challenges and uncertainties. 10. Restoration is Possible Finally, Eliphaz offers hope of restoration, "He will deliver even one who is not innocent" (Job 22:30). This is a powerful reminder that no matter our past, God offers redemption and restoration to those who turn to Him in faith. These lessons from Job 22 encourage us to trust in God’s sovereignty, seek His wisdom, and find peace in His presence. Let these truths guide you in your daily walk with the Lord. Topics 1. Accusation of Sin Eliphaz accuses Job of various sins, suggesting that his suffering is a result of his wrongdoing. He implies that Job's actions have been unjust, particularly towards the poor and needy. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "ḥēṭ" (חֵטְא), meaning sin or offense. ^"Is it for your reverence that He rebukes you and enters into judgment against you?"^ (Job 22:4) 2. Call to Repentance Eliphaz urges Job to return to God, suggesting that repentance will restore his fortunes. This aligns with the Hebrew idea of "shuv" (שׁוּב), meaning to return or repent. ^"Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you."^ (Job 22:21) 3. Promise of Restoration Eliphaz promises that if Job repents, God will restore his prosperity and well-being. This reflects the biblical principle of divine retribution and blessing for obedience. ^"If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored. If you remove injustice from your tents..."^ (Job 22:23) 4. Divine Justice and Sovereignty Eliphaz emphasizes God's justice and sovereignty, suggesting that God does not act unjustly. This is rooted in the Hebrew understanding of "mishpat" (מִשְׁפָּט), meaning justice or judgment. ^"Is not God in the heights of heaven? And see how lofty are the highest stars!"^ (Job 22:12) 5. Critique of Human Wisdom Eliphaz critiques Job's understanding and wisdom, implying that human wisdom is limited compared to God's. This reflects the biblical theme of the limitations of human understanding. ^"Can a man be of benefit to God? Can even a wise man benefit Him?"^ (Job 22:2) Themes 1. Accusation of Sinfulness Eliphaz accuses Job of various sins, suggesting that his suffering is a direct result of his wrongdoing. He implies that Job's actions have been unjust, stating, "Is it for your reverence that He rebukes you and enters into judgment against you?" (Job 22:4). The Hebrew root here for "reverence" (יִרְאָה, yir'ah) often denotes fear or respect, indicating that Eliphaz questions Job's piety. 2. Call to Repentance Eliphaz urges Job to return to God, suggesting that repentance will restore his fortunes. He advises, "Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you" (Job 22:21). The Hebrew word for "submit" (סָכַן, sakan) implies becoming familiar or accustomed, suggesting a return to a right relationship with God. 3. Divine Justice The theme of divine justice is prominent, as Eliphaz argues that God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous. He asserts, "Is not your wickedness great? Are not your iniquities endless?" (Job 22:5). The Hebrew term for "wickedness" (רֶשַׁע, resha) underscores moral wrongness, reinforcing the belief in retributive justice. 4. Prosperity through Righteousness Eliphaz promises that if Job repents, he will be restored and blessed materially. He states, "If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored; if you remove injustice far from your tents" (Job 22:23). The Hebrew root for "restore" (בָּנָה, banah) conveys the idea of rebuilding or renewing, emphasizing restoration through righteousness. 5. God's Transcendence and Omniscience Eliphaz highlights God's omniscience and transcendence, suggesting that God sees all actions and judges accordingly. He questions, "Can He judge through thick darkness?" (Job 22:13). The Hebrew word for "judge" (שָׁפַט, shaphat) indicates the act of deciding or discerning, pointing to God's ultimate authority and knowledge. Prayer Points Discernment Pray for discernment to understand the complexities of God's justice and the reasons behind suffering. Compassion Ask God to cultivate a heart of compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering. Repentance Seek God's guidance in identifying areas of your life that need repentance and restoration. Wisdom Pray for wisdom to navigate difficult conversations and to offer support that aligns with God's truth. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Job 22:2–3, if God gains nothing from human righteousness, how do we reconcile this with other passages emphasizing God’s delight in obedience? 2. In Job 22:5, Eliphaz accuses Job of great wickedness, yet Job 1:1 calls him blameless; how do we resolve this apparent contradiction? 3. Job 22:15–16 mentions an ancient flood—what historical or archaeological evidence supports a global event of this magnitude? 4. In Job 22:12–14, Eliphaz suggests God may not see everything; how does this align with other scriptures asserting God’s omniscience? 5. Job 22:25–26 implies material blessings for faithfulness—how do we address situations where devout believers remain in poverty? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Eliphaz asserts in verse 2 that a man cannot be profitable to God. What does this statement imply about our relationship with God? 2. How does Eliphaz's accusation of Job in verses 6-9 mirror or differ from the present-day societal assumptions about people in suffering? 3. How does the belief in God's omnipresence, as emphasized in verses 12-14, affect your personal faith and understanding of divine justice? 4. Can you recall a situation where you, like Eliphaz, jumped to conclusions about someone's situation without understanding their circumstances fully? How would you handle it differently now? 5. How do Eliphaz's words about the power of repentance (verses 21-30) resonate with your understanding of repentance in your personal faith journey? 6. What are the potential dangers of the kind of "comfort" that Eliphaz offers Job in this chapter? How can we avoid such pitfalls in our own attempts to comfort others? 7. In verse 28, Eliphaz mentions that decisions will be established if Job returns to God. How does this resonate with your personal understanding of the effects of repentance and righteousness? 8. What does Job 22 teach us about the role of humility in our relationship with God? 9. How should we respond when someone accuses us wrongly as Eliphaz did to Job? 10. Eliphaz implies that righteousness leads to prosperity (verse 24-25). How does this view compare to Jesus' teaching on wealth and righteousness in the New Testament? 11. How does Eliphaz's speech in this chapter inform our understanding of theodicy, the justice of God? 12. Can suffering always be linked to specific sins as Eliphaz suggests? How does this align or conflict with your understanding of suffering in the world? 13. In verse 21, Eliphaz encourages Job to 'submit to God'. How can this advice be applied constructively in your life, even if Eliphaz's intentions may be misguided? 14. How does the narrative in Job 22 challenge our understanding of 'prosperity gospel' which suggests that good things always happen to righteous people? 15. What do the harsh accusations and lack of empathy displayed by Eliphaz teach us about how not to respond to people's suffering? 16. How can we reconcile the love and compassion of God with the destructive punishments that Eliphaz warns about in this chapter? 17. How does Job 22 shed light on the importance of spiritual discernment when listening to advice from others? 18. Is there any part of Eliphaz's speech that you agree with? Why or why not? 19. How does Job 22 inform our understanding of divine justice and human suffering? 20. How can we apply the lessons from Job 22 in our daily life and in our interactions with people who are suffering? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions