---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Job 22"
description: "CHAPTER 22   THIRD
SERIES.   :-. AS BEFORE,
ELIPHAZ BEGINS. 1. Eliphaz shows that man"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/job/22"
---

CHAPTER 22

THIRD
SERIES.

. AS BEFORE,
ELIPHAZ BEGINS.

**1.** Eliphaz shows that man's
goodness does not add to, or man's badness take from, the happiness
of God; therefore it cannot be that God sends prosperity to some and
calamities on others for His own advantage; the cause of the goods
and ills sent must lie in the men themselves ([Psalms 16:2](../../../kjv/psalms/16/2);
[Luke 17:10](../../../kjv/luke/17/10); [Acts 17:25](../../../kjv/acts/17/25);
[1 Chronicles 29:14](../../../kjv/1-chronicles/29/14)). So Job's calamities
must arise from guilt. Eliphaz, instead of meeting the *facts,*
tries to show that it *could not* be so.

**2. as he that is wise**—rather,
*yea* the *pious* man profiteth himself. So "understanding"
or "wise"—*pious* ([Daniel 12:3](../../../kjv/daniel/12/3);
[Daniel 12:10](../../../kjv/daniel/12/10); [Psalms 14:2](../../../kjv/psalms/14/2))
[MICHAELIS].

**3. pleasure**—accession of
happiness; God has pleasure in man's righteousness (), but He is not dependent on man's character for His
happiness.

**4.** Is the punishment inflicted
on thee from fear of thee, in order to disarm thee? as Job had
implied (see on [Job 7:12](../../../kjv/job/7/12); [Job 7:12](../../../kjv/job/7/12); and [Job 22:1](../../../kjv/job/22/1)).
**will he enter . . . into
judgment?**—Job had desired this ([Job 13:3](../../../kjv/job/13/3);
[Job 13:21](../../../kjv/job/13/21)). He ought rather to
have spoken as in [Psalms 143:2](../../../kjv/psalms/143/2).

**5.** Heretofore Eliphaz had only
insinuated, now he plainly asserts Job's guilt, merely on the ground
of his sufferings.

**6.** The crimes alleged, on a
harsh inference, by Eliphaz against Job are such as he would think
likely to be committed by a rich man. The Mosaic law ([Exodus 22:26](../../../kjv/exodus/22/26);
[Deuteronomy 24:10](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/24/10)) subsequently embodied
the feeling that existed among the godly in Job's time against
oppression of debtors as to their pledges. Here the case is not quite
the same; Job is charged with taking a pledge where he had *no just
claim to it;* and in the second clause, that pledge (the outer
garment which served the poor as a covering by day and a bed by
night) is represented as taken from one who had not "changes of
raiment" (a common constituent of wealth in the East), but was
poorly clad—"naked" ([Matthew 25:36](../../../kjv/matthew/25/36);
[James 2:15](../../../kjv/james/2/15)); a sin the more heinous
in a rich man like Job.

**7.** Hospitality to the weary
traveller is regarded in the East as a primary duty ().

**8. mighty**—*Hebrew,* "man
of arm" ([Psalms 10:15](../../../kjv/psalms/10/15);
namely, Job).
**honourable**—*Hebrew,*
"eminent, or, accepted for countenance" ([Isaiah 3:3](../../../kjv/isaiah/3/3);
[2 Kings 5:1](../../../kjv/2-kings/5/1)); that is, possessing
authority. Eliphaz repeats his charge ([2 Kings 5:1](../../../kjv/2-kings/5/1); so Zophar, [Job 20:19](../../../kjv/job/20/19)),
that it was by violence Job wrung houses and lands from the poor, to
whom now he refused relief ([Job 22:7](../../../kjv/job/22/7);
[Job 22:9](../../../kjv/job/22/9)) [MICHAELIS].

**9. empty**—without their wants
being relieved ([Genesis 31:42](../../../kjv/genesis/31/42)). The
Mosaic law especially protected the widow and fatherless ([Genesis 31:42](../../../kjv/genesis/31/42)); the violation of it in their case by the great is a
complaint of the prophets ([Genesis 31:42](../../../kjv/genesis/31/42)).
**arms**—supports, helps,
on which one leans ([Hosea 7:15](../../../kjv/hosea/7/15)).
Thou hast robbed them of their only stay. Job replies in [Hosea 7:15](../../../kjv/hosea/7/15).

**10. snares**—alluding to Job's
admission ([Job 19:6](../../../kjv/job/19/6); compare
[Job 18:10](../../../kjv/job/18/10); [Proverbs 22:5](../../../kjv/proverbs/22/5)).

**11. that**—so that thou.
**abundance**—floods.
Danger by floods is a less frequent image in this book than in the
rest of the Old Testament ([Job 11:16](../../../kjv/job/11/16);
[Job 27:20](../../../kjv/job/27/20)).

**12.** Eliphaz says this to prove
that God can from His height behold all things; gratuitously
*inferring* that Job denied it, because he denied that the
wicked are punished here.
**height**—*Hebrew,*
"head of the stars"; that is, "elevation" ().

**13.** Rather, *And yet* thou
sayest, God does not *concern Himself with* ("know")
human affairs ([Psalms 73:11](../../../kjv/psalms/73/11)).

**14. in the circuit of heaven**—only,
not taking any part in earthly affairs. Job is alleged as holding
this Epicurean sentiment ([Lamentations 3:44](../../../kjv/lamentations/3/44);
[Isaiah 29:15](../../../kjv/isaiah/29/15); [Isaiah 40:27](../../../kjv/isaiah/40/27);
[Jeremiah 23:24](../../../kjv/jeremiah/23/24); [Ezekiel 8:12](../../../kjv/ezekiel/8/12);
[Psalms 139:12](../../../kjv/psalms/139/12)).

**15. marked**—Rather, Dost thou
*keep to?* that is, wish to follow (so *Hebrew,* ). If so, beware of sharing their end.
**the old way**—the
degenerate ways of the world before the flood ().

**16. cut down**—rather,
"fettered," as in ; that is, arrested by death.
**out of time**—prematurely,
suddenly ([Job 15:32](../../../kjv/job/15/32); [Ecclesiastes 7:17](../../../kjv/ecclesiastes/7/17));
literally, "whose foundation was poured out (so as to become) a
stream or flood." The solid earth passed from beneath their feet
into a flood ([Genesis 7:11](../../../kjv/genesis/7/11)).

**17.** Eliphaz designedly uses
Job's own words ([Job 21:14](../../../kjv/job/21/14);
[Job 21:15](../../../kjv/job/21/15)).
**do for them**—They think
they can do everything for themselves.

**18.** "Yet" you say (see
on [Job 22:2](../../../kjv/job/22/2)) that it is "*He*
who filled their houses with good"—"their good is not in
*their* hand," but comes from *God.*
**but the counsel . . .
is**—rather, "may the counsel be," &c. Eliphaz
sarcastically quotes in continuation Job's words ([Job 22:2](../../../kjv/job/22/2)). Yet, after uttering this godless sentiment, thou dost
hypocritically add, "May the counsel," &c.

**19.** Triumph of the pious at the
fall of the recent followers of the antediluvian sinners. While in
the act of denying that God can do them any good or harm, they are
cut off by Him. Eliphaz hereby justifies himself and the friends for
their conduct to Job: not derision of the wretched, but joy at the
vindication of God's ways ([Psalms 107:42](../../../kjv/psalms/107/42);
[Revelation 15:3](../../../kjv/revelation/15/3); [Revelation 16:7](../../../kjv/revelation/16/7);
[Revelation 19:1](../../../kjv/revelation/19/1); [Revelation 19:2](../../../kjv/revelation/19/2)).

**20.** The triumphant speech of the
pious. If "substance" be retained, translate, rather as the
*Septuagint,* "Has not their substance been taken away, and
. . . ?" But the *Hebrew* is rather, "Truly our
*adversary* is cut down" [GESENIUS].
The same opposition exists between the godly and ungodly seed as
between the unfallen and restored Adam and Satan (*adversary*);
this forms the groundwork of the book ([Job 1:1-2](../../../kjv/job/1/1-2);
[Genesis 3:15](../../../kjv/genesis/3/15)).
**remnant**—all that "is
left" of the sinner; repeated from [Genesis 3:15](../../../kjv/genesis/3/15), which makes UMBREIT'S
rendering "glory" (*Margin*), "excellency,"
less probable.
**fire**—alluding to Job
([Job 1:16](../../../kjv/job/1/16); [Job 15:34](../../../kjv/job/15/34);
[Job 18:15](../../../kjv/job/18/15)). First is mentioned
destruction by *water* ([Job 18:15](../../../kjv/job/18/15)); here, by *fire* ([Job 18:15](../../../kjv/job/18/15)).

**21.** Eliphaz takes it for
granted, Job is not yet "acquainted" with God; literally,
"become a *companion* of God." Turn with familiar
confidence to God.
**and be**—*So* thou
*shalt* be: the second *imperatively* expresses the
consequence of obeying the first ().
**peace**—prosperity and
restoration to *Job;* true spiritually also to *us*
([Romans 5:1](../../../kjv/romans/5/1); [Colossians 1:20](../../../kjv/colossians/1/20)).
**good**— ([Colossians 1:20](../../../kjv/colossians/1/20)).

**22. lay up**— ().

**23. Built up**—anew, as a
*restored* house.
**thou shalt put away**—rather,
"If thou put away" [MICHAELIS].

**24.** Rather, containing the
protasis from the last clause of , "If thou regard the glittering metal *as dust*";
literally, "lay it on on the dust"; to regard it of as
little value as the dust on which it lies. The apodosis is at , *Then* shall the Almighty be, c. God will take the
place of the wealth, in which thou didst formerly trust.
**gold**—rather, "precious"
or "glittering metal," parallel to "(gold) of Ophir,"
in the second clause [UMBREIT
and MAURER].
**Ophir**—derived from a
*Hebrew* word "dust," namely, gold dust. HEEREN
thinks it a general name for the rich countries of the South, on the
African, Indian, and especially the Arabian coast (where was the port
Aphar. El Ophir, too, a city of Oman, was formerly the center of
Arabian commerce). It is curious that the natives of Malacca still
call their mines *Ophirs.*
**stones of the brooks**—If
thou dost let the gold of Ophir remain in its native valley among the
stones of the brooks that is, regard it as of little worth as the
stones, &c. The gold was washed down by mountain torrents and
lodged among the stones and sand of the valley.

**25.** Apodosis.
**Yea**—rather, *Then*
shall the Almighty be, c.
**defence**—rather, as the
same *Hebrew* means in (see on [Job 22:2](../../../kjv/job/22/2))
—Thy *precious metals* God will be to thee in the place of
riches.
**plenty of silver**—rather,
"And shall be to thee in the place of *laboriously-obtained
treasures* of silver" [GESENIUS].
Elegantly implying, it is less labor to find God than the hidden
metals; at least to the humble seeker ([Job 22:2](../../../kjv/job/22/2)). But [MAURER]
"the shining silver."

**26. lift up . . . face,**
&c.—repeated from Zophar ().

**27.** ([Isaiah 58:9](../../../kjv/isaiah/58/9);
[Isaiah 58:14](../../../kjv/isaiah/58/14)).
**pay thy vows**—which thou
hast promised to God in the event of thy prayers being heard: God
will give thee occasion to pay the former, by hearing the latter.

**28. light**—success.

**29.** Rather, When (thy ways; from
[Job 22:28](../../../kjv/job/22/28)) are cast down (for
a time), thou shalt (soon again have joyful cause to) say, There is
lifting up (prosperity returns back to me) [MAURER].
**he**—God.
**humble**—*Hebrew,*
"him that is of low eyes." Eliphaz implies that Job is not
so now in his affliction; therefore it continues: with this he
contrasts the blessed effect of being humble under it ([James 4:6](../../../kjv/james/4/6);
[1 Peter 5:5](../../../kjv/1-peter/5/5) probably quote this
passage). Therefore it is better, I think, to take the first clause
as referred to by "God resisteth the *proud.*" When
(men) are cast down, thou shalt say (behold the effects of) *pride.*
Eliphaz hereby justifies himself for attributing Job's calamities to
his *pride.* "Giveth grace to the humble," answers to
the second clause.

**30. island**—that is,
"dwelling." But the *Hebrew* expresses the *negative*
([1 Samuel 4:21](../../../kjv/1-samuel/4/21)); translate "Thus
He (God) shall deliver him who was *not* guiltless,"
namely, one, who like Job himself on conversion shall be saved, but
not because he was, as Job so constantly affirms of himself,
guiltless, but because he *humbles* himself ([1 Samuel 4:21](../../../kjv/1-samuel/4/21)); an oblique attack on Job, even to the last.
**and it**—Rather, "*he*
(the *one* not heretofore guiltless) shall be delivered through
the purity (acquired since conversion) of thy hands"; by thy
intercession (as [Genesis 18:26](../../../kjv/genesis/18/26), c.).
[MAURER]. The irony is
strikingly exhibited in Eliphaz unconsciously uttering words which
exactly answer to what happened at last: he and the other two were
"delivered" by God accepting the intercession of Job for
them ([Job 42:7](../../../kjv/job/42/7) [Job 42:8](../../../kjv/job/42/8)).

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#website","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com","name":"Real Bible Believers","description":"RBB","publisher":{"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#/schema/person/e966585dde703268e7f6ae890ea98509"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/search?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/job/22#primaryimage","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/images/missing.jpg","contentUrl":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/images/missing.jpg","width":640,"height":370,"caption":"Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Job 22"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/job/22#webpage","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/job/22","name":"Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Job 22","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/job/22#primaryimage"},"datePublished":null,"dateModified":null,"author":{"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#/schema/person/e966585dde703268e7f6ae890ea98509"},"description":"CHAPTER 22   THIRD\nSERIES.   :-. AS BEFORE,\nELIPHAZ BEGINS. 1. Eliphaz shows that man's\ngoodness does not add to, or man's badness take from, the happines","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/job/22#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/job/22"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/job/22#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/","name":"Home"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries","name":"Commentaries"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible","name":"Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"item":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/job","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/job","name":"Job"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"item":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/job/22","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/job/22","name":"22"}}]},{"@type":["Person","Organization"],"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#/schema/person/e966585dde703268e7f6ae890ea98509","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#personlogo","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/android-chrome-512x512.png","contentUrl":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/android-chrome-512x512.png","width":512,"height":512},"logo":{"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#personlogo"},"sameAs":["https://twitter.com/RBiblebeliever","https://www.facebook.com/RBibleBelievers"]}]}
```