Job 22

Job 22:1

Then Eliphaz] Here begins the third Onset, by Eliphaz, and Bildad, only. Wherein being convinced by Job of the falshood of their grand plea and position; Eliphaz now doth charge him home with particular sinnes; tells him the justification of himself, and his righteousnesse, cannot be profitable to God; and Exhorts him to Repentance, with Promises of Mercie, chap. 22. And Bildad having little more to say, Concludes with this, That neither Job, nor any man can be justified with God; And therefore Job should not contend with God, as if he had done him some wrong in afflicting him more then was fitting, chap. 25.

And Job in his Replies, longeth yet to appear and plead before God, in confidence of his mercie. He asserts his innocency against Eliphaz; and promiseth to himself an happy issue, though for the present God do seeme to him inexorable. He shewes that God often winketh at many grosse wickednesses committed by ungodly men, which God punisheth not in this world, but suffers them still to prosper and flourish, chap. XXIII. and XXIV. And checking Bildads impertinencies, He speaks more magnificently of God Power, and Wisdom, then Bildad had done, chap. XXVI.

And seeing his three friends at a Non-Plus, He goes on the more confidently to maintaine his Cause, and clear his own innocencie, against hypocrisie. He acknowledgeth that Gods judgements light on ungodly men in this world, and that their Blessings are turned into Curses; though not alwayes, chap. XXVII. And this by Gods wonderful wisdome, which passeth mans deepest wisdome, and is unsearchable, and carrieth things farre above the reach of the wisest men; whose highest wisdome is to Fear the Lord, chap. XXVIII. And Job, it seemes after some intermission of speech, finding his friends still silent, goes on, And in his last speech, bemoanes himself and excuseth his impatience, by his great fall from so great prosperity, chap.

XXIX. to so great misery, chap. XXX. And for conclusion, He stands upon the clearing of his own integrity, much more then before. And that by a solemne Protestation of his uprightnesse, and piety in sundry several duties, without any grosse wickednesse committed by him, chap. XXXI.

Job 22:4

for fear of thee? Lest thy wickednesse should hurt him? or, thy fear of him and pietie could help him?

Job 22:5

Is not] He chargeth Job home, and in particulars: But falsely.

Job 22:15

old way] Haply relating to the time of the Flood.

Job 22:30

By the purenesse of thine hands.] God will not only do good to thee, but to others also for thy sake.