Job 22:28
Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
Original Language Analysis
וְֽתִגְזַר
Thou shalt also decree
H1504
וְֽתִגְזַר
Thou shalt also decree
Strong's:
H1504
Word #:
1 of 8
to cut down or off; (figuratively) to destroy, divide, exclude, or decide
וְיָ֣קָם
and it shall be established
H6965
וְיָ֣קָם
and it shall be established
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
3 of 8
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דְּ֝רָכֶ֗יךָ
upon thy ways
H1870
דְּ֝רָכֶ֗יךָ
upon thy ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
6 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Matthew 21:22And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.Psalms 90:17And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.Psalms 20:4Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.Isaiah 30:21And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.John 8:12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.Malachi 4:2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.Lamentations 3:37Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?Psalms 112:4Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.Job 29:3When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology often portrayed royal decrees as having inherent power to alter reality. While Israel's theology affirmed human dominion under God (Genesis 1:28), it never granted humans autonomous creative word-power. This distinction separates biblical faith from magic. Eliphaz's promise misapplies legitimate principles, assuming Job lacks divine favor when in fact God uniquely trusts him.
Questions for Reflection
- How does modern 'name it and claim it' theology mirror Eliphaz's flawed promises?
- What is the difference between faith-filled prayer and presumptuous demands on God?
- How should we understand biblical promises of answered prayer in light of Job's experience?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee—The verb gazar (גָזַר) means to cut, decide, or decree with authority. Eliphaz promises that Job's words will carry creative power once restored to favor. It shall be established uses qum (קוּם), meaning to stand, arise, or be confirmed. The light shall shine upon thy ways employs or (אוֹר, light) symbolizing divine favor, guidance, and blessing (Psalm 97:11, Proverbs 4:18).
This promise borders on the presumptuous—only God decrees and it stands (Psalm 33:9, Isaiah 55:11). While believers' prayers have authority in Christ (John 15:7, 1 John 5:14-15), Eliphaz implies a mechanical relationship: repent, then manipulate God through declarations. Job's experience refutes this: his integrity, not his decrees, matters. True authority comes through submission to God's will (Matthew 6:10, James 4:15), and light shines on our path through God's word, not our words (Psalm 119:105).