and consign your gold to the dust and the gold of Ophir to the stones of the ravines, and consign your gold to the dustThe phrase "consign your gold to the dust" suggests a relinquishing of material wealth and earthly treasures. In the Hebrew context, "gold" (זָהָב, zahav) is often a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and human achievement. The act of consigning it to the "dust" (עָפָר, afar) implies a humbling of oneself, recognizing that earthly riches are transient and insignificant compared to spiritual wealth. Dust, in biblical terms, often symbolizes mortality and the temporal nature of human life ( Genesis 3:19). This phrase encourages believers to prioritize spiritual riches over material possessions, aligning with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:19-21 about storing treasures in heaven. and the gold of Ophir
"Ophir" is a location mentioned several times in the Bible, renowned for its fine gold (1 Kings 9:28, 1 Chronicles 29:4). The exact location of Ophir remains uncertain, though it is often associated with regions rich in natural resources, possibly in Arabia, Africa, or India. The "gold of Ophir" represents the highest quality and most sought-after wealth of the ancient world. By referencing Ophir, the text emphasizes the value and allure of worldly riches, yet simultaneously calls for their devaluation in the pursuit of divine wisdom and righteousness. to the stones of the ravines
The imagery of "stones of the ravines" suggests something common and of little value. Ravines, or valleys, were often places where stones and debris collected, symbolizing the mundane and overlooked. By equating the gold of Ophir to these stones, the verse underscores the futility of placing ultimate trust in material wealth. In a spiritual sense, this phrase invites believers to view earthly riches as mere stones compared to the eternal value found in a relationship with God. This aligns with the biblical theme of humility and the call to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it. 2. Eliphaz the TemaniteOne of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In Job 22, Eliphaz is speaking, offering his perspective on Job's suffering and suggesting that Job needs to repent. 3. OphirA region famous in biblical times for its wealth and fine gold. The exact location is uncertain, but it is often associated with great riches. 4. The Dust and Stones of the RavinesSymbolic imagery used by Eliphaz to suggest that Job should consider his wealth as worthless compared to the value of righteousness and a right relationship with God. Teaching Points Value of Spiritual WealthTrue wealth is found in a relationship with God and living according to His wisdom. Material wealth is temporary and should not be the focus of our lives. Repentance and PrioritizationEliphaz's advice, though misguided in its application to Job, reminds us of the importance of examining our priorities and ensuring that our trust is in God, not in material possessions. Contentment and TrustLearning to be content with what we have and trusting God for our needs can free us from the anxiety and pressure of accumulating wealth. Eternal PerspectiveKeeping an eternal perspective helps us to see the true value of our actions and decisions, encouraging us to invest in what has lasting significance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "gold to the dust" challenge our modern views on wealth and success? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our priorities align with the biblical teaching of valuing spiritual wealth over material wealth? 3. How can the account of Job and the advice of Eliphaz help us understand the role of suffering and prosperity in our spiritual journey? 4. What practical steps can we take to store up treasures in heaven, as Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Job 22:24 to our daily lives, especially in a culture that often equates success with material wealth? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 6:19-21Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, emphasizing the impermanence of earthly wealth and the eternal value of spiritual riches. Proverbs 3:13-15Wisdom is described as more valuable than silver and gold, highlighting the theme that spiritual understanding and righteousness surpass material wealth. 1 Timothy 6:17-19Paul advises the wealthy to not put their hope in riches but to be rich in good deeds, aligning with the idea of valuing spiritual wealth over material possessions. People Eliphaz, Job, OphirPlaces Ophir, UzTopics Bed, Brooks, Covering, Defence, Dust, Gold, Lay, Nuggets, Ophir, Ore, Precious, Ravines, Rock, Rocks, Stones, Torrent, Torrents, Treasure, ValleysDictionary of Bible Themes Job 22:22-26 8287 joy, experience Job 22:23-25 4333 gold
5591 treasure 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 22:24 NIVJob 22:24 NLTJob 22:24 ESVJob 22:24 NASBJob 22:24 KJV
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