Surely our foes are destroyed, and fire has consumed their excess.' SurelyThe word "surely" in this context is a term of certainty and assurance. It reflects a confident declaration, often used in Hebrew to emphasize the truth or inevitability of a statement. In the broader context of the Book of Job, this word underscores the speaker's conviction about the fate of the wicked. It serves as a reminder of the divine justice that is believed to be inevitable, reinforcing the idea that God's moral order will ultimately prevail. our foes
The phrase "our foes" refers to adversaries or enemies. In the Hebrew context, foes are often seen as those who oppose God's people or God's ways. This phrase can be understood as a collective acknowledgment of the opposition faced by the righteous. Historically, the Israelites often faced physical and spiritual enemies, and this phrase captures the communal aspect of their struggles. It also reflects the broader spiritual battle between good and evil, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. are destroyed
The term "are destroyed" indicates a complete and utter defeat. In Hebrew, destruction often implies not just a physical annihilation but also a moral and spiritual downfall. This phrase reassures the faithful that those who oppose God and His people will ultimately face ruin. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of evil and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. The destruction of foes is seen as a manifestation of divine justice, aligning with the biblical theme that God will not let wickedness prevail indefinitely. and fire
"Fire" in biblical literature is a powerful symbol of purification, judgment, and divine presence. It is often associated with God's holiness and His ability to cleanse and refine. In this verse, fire represents the consuming force of God's judgment against the excesses of the wicked. Historically, fire was used in sacrificial rituals, symbolizing the removal of sin and impurity. This imagery reinforces the idea that God's judgment is both purifying and consuming, leaving nothing unrefined. has consumed
The phrase "has consumed" suggests a thorough and complete action. In the Hebrew context, consumption by fire implies a total eradication, leaving nothing behind. This reflects the comprehensive nature of divine judgment, where nothing evil can withstand God's purifying fire. The use of this phrase emphasizes the finality and completeness of God's justice, offering hope to the righteous that evil will not endure. their excess
"Excess" refers to the abundance or surplus that often characterizes the lives of the wicked. In biblical terms, excess can imply not just material wealth but also moral and ethical overindulgence. This phrase highlights the idea that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary and ultimately futile. The consumption of their excess by fire symbolizes the stripping away of all that is ungodly, leaving only what is pure and righteous. It serves as a warning against the dangers of excess and a call to live a life of moderation and integrity in accordance with God's will. Persons / Places / Events 1. Eliphaz the TemaniteOne of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Eliphaz is speaking, offering his perspective on Job's suffering and the fate of the wicked. 2. JobThe central figure of the book, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. 3. The WickedIn the context of this verse, Eliphaz refers to the enemies of the righteous, suggesting that their destruction is a sign of divine justice. 4. FireSymbolically represents divine judgment and purification throughout the Bible. Here, it is used to describe the destruction of the wealth of the wicked. 5. WealthRepresents the material possessions and prosperity of the wicked, which are ultimately consumed by divine judgment. Teaching Points Divine JusticeGod's justice is ultimately served, and the wicked will face consequences for their actions. This serves as a reminder of the moral order established by God. Temporal vs. Eternal WealthMaterial wealth is temporary and can be destroyed, but spiritual wealth and righteousness have eternal value. Trust in God's SovereigntyEven when the wicked seem to prosper, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate plan and justice. The Role of SufferingSuffering can be a tool for refining and purifying believers, drawing them closer to God and away from reliance on material wealth. The Danger of MisjudgmentEliphaz's misinterpretation of Job's situation warns against assuming that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Eliphaz's perspective on the destruction of the wicked challenge or affirm your understanding of divine justice? 2. In what ways can the imagery of fire consuming wealth be applied to our modern understanding of materialism and spiritual priorities? 3. How do other scriptures, like Psalm 37 and Proverbs 11:4, reinforce the message of Job 22:20 regarding the fate of the wicked? 4. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced suffering. How did it affect your view of God's justice and sovereignty? 5. How can we guard against the temptation to misjudge others' suffering as Eliphaz did with Job? What steps can we take to offer true comfort and support? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 37This Psalm discusses the fate of the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing that the wicked will be cut off while the righteous will inherit the land. Proverbs 11:4Highlights that wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death, echoing the theme of divine justice. Malachi 4:1Describes a day coming when the arrogant and evildoers will be set ablaze, leaving neither root nor branch, similar to the imagery of fire consuming the wicked's wealth. People Eliphaz, Job, OphirPlaces Ophir, UzTopics Abundance, Adversaries, Cities, Consume, Consumed, Consumeth, Cut, Destroyed, Devours, Excellency, Fire, Foes, Inhabited, Remnant, Residue, Rise, Rose, Saying, Substance, Surely, Truly, Wealth, WhereasDictionary of Bible Themes Job 22:20 8780 materialism, and sin Job 22:17-20 8782 mockery Library December 29 Morning
Understanding what the will of the Lord is.--EPH. 5:17. This is the will of God, even your sanctification.--Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.--This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.--We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily PathKnowledge and Peace
'Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.'--JOB xxii. 21. In the sense in which the speaker meant them, these words are not true. They mean little more than 'It pays to be religious.' What kind of notion of acquaintance with God Eliphaz may have had, one scarcely knows, but at any rate, the whole meaning of the text on his lips is poor and selfish. The peace promised is evidently only outward tranquillity and freedom from trouble, and the good that is to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture What Life May be Made
'For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. 27. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto Him, and He shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. 28. Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. 29. When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, ... lifting up; and He shall save the humble person.'--JOB xxii. 26-29. These words are a fragment of one of the speeches of Job's friends, in which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Whether all Things are under Divine Providence
Whether All Things are under Divine Providence We proceed to the second article thus: 1. It seems that not all things are under divine providence. For nothing that is ordained happens contingently, and if all things were provided by God, nothing would happen contingently. There would then be no such thing as chance or fortune. But this is contrary to common opinion. 2. Again, every wise provider, so far as he is able, preserves those in his care from defect and from evil. But we see many evils in …
Aquinas—Nature and Grace Whether God is Everywhere by Essence, Presence and Power?
Objection 1: It seems that the mode of God's existence in all things is not properly described by way of essence, presence and power. For what is by essence in anything, is in it essentially. But God is not essentially in things; for He does not belong to the essence of anything. Therefore it ought not to be said that God is in things by essence, presence and power. Objection 2: Further, to be present in anything means not to be absent from it. Now this is the meaning of God being in things by His …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Everything is Subject to the Providence of God?
Objection 1: It seems that everything is not subject to divine providence. For nothing foreseen can happen by chance. If then everything was foreseen by God, nothing would happen by chance. And thus hazard and luck would disappear; which is against common opinion. Objection 2: Further, a wise provider excludes any defect or evil, as far as he can, from those over whom he has a care. But we see many evils existing. Either, then, God cannot hinder these, and thus is not omnipotent; or else He does …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Doctrine of God
I. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: (Vs. Atheism). 1. ASSUMED BY THE SCRIPTURES. 2. PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. a) Universal belief in the Existence of God. b) Cosmological:--Argument from Cause. c) Teleological:--Argument from Design. d) Ontological:--Argument from Being. e) Anthropological:--Moral Argument. f) Argument from Congruity. g) Argument from Scripture. II. THE NATURE OF GOD: (Vs. Agnosticism) 1. THE SPIRITUALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Materialism). 2. THE PERSONALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Pantheism). 3. THE UNITY …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face.
1. The phrase scriptural.--2. It signifies the withdrawing the tokens of the divine favor.--3 chiefly as to spiritual considerations.--4. This may become the case of any Christian.--5. and will be found a very sorrowful one.--6. The following directions, therefore, are given to those who suppose it to be their own: To inquire whether it be indeed a case of spiritual distress, or whether a disconsolate frame may not proceed from indisposition of body,--7. or difficulties as to worldly circumstances.--8, …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul Bands of Love; Or, Union to Christ. "I Drew them with Cords of a Man, with Bands of Love: and I was to them as they that Take Off the Yoke on their Jaws, and I Laid Meat unto Them. " --Hosea xi. 4.
BANDS OF LOVE; OR, UNION TO CHRIST. SYSTEMATIC theologians have usually regarded union to Christ under three aspects, natural, mystical and federal, and it may be that these three terms are comprehensive enough to embrace the whole subject, but as our aim is simplicity, let us be pardoned if we appear diffuse when we follow a less concise method. 1. The saints were from the beginning joined to Christ by bands of everlasting love. Before He took on Him their nature, or brought them into a conscious …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to Christians to be Holy. By John Bunyan.
Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever.'--[Psalm 93:5] London, by B. W., for Benj. Alsop, at the Angel and Bible, in the Poultrey. 1684. THE EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This is the most searching treatise that has ever fallen under our notice. It is an invaluable guide to those sincere Christians, who, under a sense of the infinite importance of the salvation of an immortal soul, and of the deceitfulness of their hearts, sigh and cry, "O Lord of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
To declare emphatically that the people of God are a covenant people, various signs were in sovereignty vouchsafed. The lights in the firmament of heaven were appointed to be for signs, affording direction to the mariner, the husbandman, and others. Miracles wrought on memorable occasions, were constituted signs or tokens of God's universal government. The gracious grant of covenant signs was made in order to proclaim the truth of the existence of God's covenant with his people, to urge the performance …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Epistle xxxix. To Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria.
To Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria. Gregory to Eulogius, &c. As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country (Prov. xxv. 25). But what can be good news to me, so far as concerns the behoof of holy Church, but to hear of the health and safety of your to me most sweet Holiness, who, from your perception of the light of truth, both illuminate the same Church with the word of preaching, and mould it to a better way by the example of your manners? As often, too, as I recall in …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Job 22:20 NIVJob 22:20 NLTJob 22:20 ESVJob 22:20 NASBJob 22:20 KJV
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