Job 22:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 22:20
20 Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth.
Chapter Context
Job 22 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, faith, creation. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 22:20
20 Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth.
Analysis
Whereas our substance is not cut down (אִם־לֹא נִכְחַד קִימָנוּ)—Qimanu (our rising/substance/existence) contrasts with the wicked's destruction; nichad (cut down/destroyed) echoes verse 16's language. Eliphaz contrasts 'our' (the righteous) security with 'their' (the wicked) judgment.
But the remnant of them the fire consumeth (וְיִתְרָם אָכְלָה אֵשׁ)—Yitram (their remnant/abundance) and achlah esh (fire consumed) invoke Sodom and Gomorrah imagery (Genesis 19:24-28). Fire represents complete, final divine judgment. Eliphaz's entire speech reaches its climax: the wicked get destroyed; we the righteous prosper. The Book of Job's narrative arc proves Eliphaz catastrophically wrong. His substance will be at risk if he doesn't repent and offer sacrifice (42:8). Job's 'remnant' will be doubled by God's blessing (42:10-17). The reversal is total.
Historical Context
Fire from heaven destroying the wicked appears throughout Scripture as ultimate judgment (Genesis 19, 2 Kings 1:10-12, Revelation 20:9). Eliphaz invokes the most fearsome divine judgment imagery to cement his case against Job. He will learn his theology was true but misapplied—he himself needed divine mercy, not Job.
Reflection
- How does the book's ending completely reverse Eliphaz's confident assertions about who will be vindicated?
- What does it mean that Eliphaz needed Job to intercede for him (42:8) after accusing Job of wickedness?
- How should the book of Job transform our confidence in theological formulas about suffering and prosperity?