Charles Ellicott Commentary Job 22
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Job 22
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Job 22
"Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said," — Job 22:1 (ASV)
Then answered Eliphaz. —Eliphaz proceeds to reply in a far more exaggerated and offensive tone than he has adopted until now, accusing Job of definite and specific crimes. He begins by asserting that the judgment of God cannot be other than disinterested, that if, therefore, He rewards or punishes, there cannot be anything personal in it.
"Can a man be profitable unto God? Surely he that is wise is profitable unto himself." — Job 22:2 (ASV)
As he that is wise. —It is probably an independent statement: Surely he that is wise is profitable, etc.
"Is it for thy fear [of him] that he reproveth thee, That he entereth with thee into judgment?" — Job 22:4 (ASV)
Will He reprove you? —That is, Because He stands in awe of you. Will He justify His dealings with you?
"Is not thy wickedness great? Neither is there any end to thine iniquities." — Job 22:5 (ASV)
Is not thy wickedness great? —This was mere conjecture and surmise, arising simply from a false assumption: namely, that a just God can only punish the wicked, and that therefore those must be wicked whom He punishes.
"For thou hast taken pledges of thy brother for nought, And stripped the naked of their clothing." — Job 22:6 (ASV)
You have taken a pledge from your brother. —These specific charges, false as they were, show the depth to which Eliphaz had sunk.
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