Job 22:25
Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֣ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּצָרֶ֑יךָ
shall be thy defence
H1220
בְּצָרֶ֑יךָ
shall be thy defence
Strong's:
H1220
Word #:
3 of 6
strictly a clipping, i.e., gold (as dug out)
וְכֶ֖סֶף
of silver
H3701
וְכֶ֖סֶף
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
4 of 6
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
Cross References
Isaiah 33:6And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.Genesis 15:1After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Psalms 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.Psalms 18:2The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.James 2:5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?Romans 8:31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?2 Corinthians 6:10As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Historical Context
The name Shaddai (often translated 'Almighty') appears 31 times in Job, more than any other biblical book, reflecting the patriarchal era's preferred divine title. It emphasizes God's power and self-sufficiency. The promise of material abundance through righteousness was central to Ancient Near Eastern covenant theology, reaching full expression in Deuteronomy 28.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways do you seek security in material wealth rather than in God Himself?
- How does Job's endurance without prosperity redefine what it means to have God as your defense?
- What would change if you truly believed that knowing God is more valuable than all earthly riches?
Analysis & Commentary
The Almighty shall be thy defence—The Hebrew betser (בֶּצֶר) means fortified place, stronghold, or precious ore. Eliphaz plays on words: instead of hoarding gold ore (betsir, v. 24), Job should find his security in Shaddai (שַׁדַּי, the Almighty) as his betser. Thou shalt have plenty of silver uses to'aphot kesef (תּוֹעֲפוֹת כָּסֶף), literally 'heights/abundances of silver,' suggesting overflowing wealth.
The theology is partially sound: God should be our ultimate security (Psalm 18:2, Proverbs 18:10). However, Eliphaz implies this is conditional on repentance from imaginary sins. True faith trusts God as refuge even when He permits the loss of all earthly securities—the very lesson Job embodies (1:21). Paul learned this paradox: godliness with contentment is great gain, and true riches come through knowing Christ (1 Timothy 6:6, Philippians 3:8).