21 verses
Eliphaz confronts Job, challenging his perception of divine justice and warning that suffering may be a divine response to injustice.
In this chapter Eliphaz, a Temanite, replies to Job after his previous lament. He questions whether Job's communication with God causes sorrow, noting that God has previously lifted the weak. Eliphaz reminds Job that the righteous are seldom vindicated and that the wicked ultimately meet their downfall. He uses lion imagery to illustrate how the mighty can be humbled by God. Eliphaz then recounts a personal vision in which he encounters a spirit that questions human justice versus divine justice, highlighting the futility of trusting human judgment. The passage underscores the tension between human suffering and divine justice.
mixed
Eliphaz's remarks are both admonishing and reflective, presenting a complex view of divine justice.