liphaz reproves Job. (1-16) The unquietness of wicked men.
(17-35)
Verses 1-16: Eliphaz begins a second attack upon Job, instead of being
softened by his complaints. He unjustly charges Job with casting
off the fear of God, and all regard to him, and restraining
prayer. See in what religion is summed up, fearing God, and
praying to him; the former the most needful principle, the
latter the most needful practice. Eliphaz charges Job with
self-conceit. He charges him with contempt of the counsels and
comforts given him by his friends. We are apt to think that
which we ourselves say is important, when others, with reason,
think little of it. He charges him with opposition to God.
Eliphaz ought not to have put harsh constructions upon the words
of one well known for piety, and now in temptation. It is plain
that these disputants were deeply convinced of the doctrine of
original sin, and the total depravity of human nature. Shall we
not admire the patience of God in bearing with us? and still
more his love to us in the redemption of Christ Jesus his
beloved Son?
Verses 17-35: Eliphaz maintains that the wicked are certainly
miserable: whence he would infer, that the miserable are
certainly wicked, and therefore Job was so. But because many of
God's people have prospered in this world, it does not therefore
follow that those who are crossed and made poor, as Job, are not
God's people. Eliphaz shows also that wicked people,
particularly oppressors, are subject to continual terror, live
very uncomfortably, and perish very miserably. Will the
prosperity of presumptuous sinners end miserably as here
described? Then let the mischiefs which befal others, be our
warnings. Though no chastening for the present seemeth to be
joyous, but grievous, nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the
peaceable fruits of righteousness to them that are exercised
thereby. No calamity, no trouble, however heavy, however severe,
can rob a follower of the Lord of his favour. What shall
separate him from the love of Christ?
liphaz reproves Job. (1-16) The unquietness of wicked men.
(17-35)