Question 1

Who is Eliphaz in this passage and why is he speaking to Job?

Accepted Answer

Eliphaz is one of Job’s friends who came to visit him after he lost his children, wealth, and health. In this chapter he answers Job’s complaints about his suffering. Eliphaz believes that trouble comes as a direct result of sin, so he feels sure Job must have done something very wrong. From that assumption, he speaks boldly, accusing Job of many sins and urging him to repent. He thinks he is defending God’s justice, but he misjudges Job and speaks more than he truly knows.

Question 2

What does Eliphaz mean by asking, “Can a man be profitable unto God”?

Accepted Answer

When Eliphaz asks, “Can a man be profitable unto God?” he is saying that even a very wise or righteous person cannot add anything to God or make God richer or greater. God is already complete and self-sufficient. Eliphaz is right that our good works do not put God in our debt or force him to bless us. Where he goes wrong is using this truth against Job, as if Job’s claim of integrity meant he was trying to earn rewards from God, and as if suffering must prove secret sin.

Question 3

Why does Eliphaz accuse Job of oppressing the poor and needy?

Accepted Answer

Eliphaz lists specific charges: taking pledges for nothing, stripping the poor of clothing, refusing water to the weary, withholding bread from the hungry, sending widows away empty, and breaking the arms of the fatherless. He is trying to explain Job’s suffering by pointing to typical sins of a harsh, powerful man. The passage does not say that Job actually did these things. Eliphaz assumes that because Job suffers greatly, he must be guilty of great cruelty, which shows how easy it is to judge without real evidence.

Question 4

What does this passage say about God’s knowledge and presence?

Accepted Answer

Eliphaz reminds Job that God is in the height of heaven and points to the stars to show how great God is. He criticizes the idea that God cannot see through thick clouds or does not notice what happens on earth. In his speech, God is never blind or distant. God sees injustice and judges it. Even though Eliphaz misapplies this to Job, the truth he states is that God is all-seeing, above human limits, and aware of both the ways of the wicked and the ways of the righteous.

Question 5

Why does Eliphaz talk about the “old way which wicked men have trodden”?

Accepted Answer

Eliphaz brings up the “old way” of wicked people to warn Job. He recalls those who said to God, “Depart from us,” and were suddenly cut off, their foundation swept away like in a flood. He uses past judgments as examples of how God deals with people who ignore him and do wrong. His point is that rejecting God leads to ruin, while the righteous see this and are glad that God judges evil. Again, his warning is pointed at Job, even though Job is not described as wicked in the passage.

Question 6

What does it mean to “acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace”?

Accepted Answer

When Eliphaz says, “Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace,” he is calling Job to draw near to God, to know God rightly, and to stop resisting what he thinks is God’s correction. To be at peace means to be reconciled with God instead of arguing with him. Eliphaz urges Job to receive God’s instruction, store up God’s words in his heart, and turn from sin. He promises that in doing so, Job will find peace and that good will come to him. The call to turn to God is good, even if Eliphaz misjudges Job’s heart.

Question 7

What does Eliphaz promise will happen if Job returns to the Almighty?

Accepted Answer

Eliphaz says that if Job returns to the Almighty and puts away iniquity, he will be “built up,” his house cleansed from sin, and his wealth restored so that gold will be like dust and precious gold like stones of a stream. He says the Almighty will be Job’s defense, he will have plenty of silver, delight in God, pray and be heard, and see light on his ways. Eliphaz believes that clear repentance always brings quick outward blessing, which sounds simple but does not fit every case of suffering.

Question 8

How does Eliphaz connect suffering, sin, and God’s justice in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Eliphaz assumes a tight link between suffering and personal sin. He tells Job that snares, fear, darkness, and overwhelming waters surround him because his wickedness is great. In his mind, God always blesses the righteous with safety and wealth, and always strikes the wicked with trouble. This gives him confidence to accuse Job. The passage shows that such a simple view of God’s justice does not allow for the mystery of undeserved suffering, and it warns us not to jump to conclusions about others’ pain.

Question 9

How can this passage shape how we treat people who are suffering?

Accepted Answer

Eliphaz’s words are a warning example. He is sure that Job’s pain proves guilt, so he lists harsh sins without proof. This teaches us not to assume that someone’s trouble means they are hiding great evil. The passage also highlights God’s concern for the poor, the weary, widows, and the fatherless, since these are the very people Eliphaz accuses Job of harming. In our own lives, it should push us to show mercy, avoid quick judgment, and remember that only God fully understands why someone suffers.

Job 22:1

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,

Eliphaz: Can a Man Be of Use to God?

Eliphaz: Can a Man Be of Use to God?

metadata.crossReferences

Job 22:1

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,

share.title

share.allVerses

share.verseWithContext

share.currentVerse

Eliphaz: Can a Man Be of Use to God?

Eliphaz: Can a Man Be of Use to God?

metadata.crossReferences