Eliphaz the Temanite
Eliphaz is one of Job's three friends who come to comfort him during his time of suffering. He is identified as a Temanite, indicating his origin from Teman, a region associated with Edom. Edom was located southeast of Israel, and Teman was known for its wise men (Jeremiah 49:7). This association with wisdom suggests that Eliphaz is considered a man of understanding and insight, which is reflected in his speeches throughout the Book of Job. His perspective is rooted in the traditional wisdom of the time, which often linked suffering directly to personal sin.

Replied
The use of "replied" indicates that Eliphaz is responding to Job's previous discourse. This is part of a larger dialogue where Job's friends attempt to explain his suffering. Eliphaz's response is part of a cycle of speeches where each friend takes turns speaking, and Job responds. This literary structure is significant as it highlights the ongoing debate about the nature of suffering and divine justice. Eliphaz's replies often emphasize the retributive justice of God, suggesting that suffering is a result of sin, a view that Job challenges throughout the dialogue.

1. Eliphaz the Temanite
Eliphaz is one of Job's three friends who come to comfort him during his suffering. He is from Teman, a region known for its wisdom, which is part of Edom. Eliphaz is often seen as the most articulate and philosophical of Job's friends.

2. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, known for his righteousness and suffering. Job's account is a profound exploration of faith, suffering, and divine justice.

3. Teman
A place in Edom, often associated with wisdom. It is mentioned in other parts of the Bible as a region known for its wise men.

4. Dialogue
The Book of Job is structured as a series of dialogues between Job and his friends, with this verse marking the beginning of Eliphaz's third speech.

5. Suffering and Divine Justice
The overarching theme of the Book of Job, exploring why the righteous suffer and how God's justice is manifested.The Limitations of Human Wisdom
Eliphaz represents human wisdom and reasoning, which can often fall short in understanding God's ways. We must be cautious not to rely solely on our own understanding when interpreting God's actions.

The Importance of Compassionate Counsel
While Eliphaz intends to help, his approach lacks empathy. When offering counsel, it is crucial to balance truth with compassion and understanding.

The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth
Job's account reminds us that suffering can be a tool for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God, even when we do not understand the reasons behind it.

Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Despite the confusion and pain, Job's account encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that His wisdom surpasses our own.

The Value of Perseverance
Job's perseverance is a testament to faithfulness amidst trials. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, trusting in God's ultimate justice and mercy.Top 10 Lessons from Job 22

In Job 22:12-14, Eliphaz suggests God may not see everything; how does this align with other scriptures asserting God's omniscience?

In Job 22:5, Eliphaz accuses Job of great wickedness, yet Job 1:1 calls him blameless; how do we resolve this apparent contradiction?

Job 22:25-26 implies material blessings for faithfulness--how do we address situations where devout believers remain in poverty?

In Job 15:10, why does Eliphaz appeal to the wisdom of elders without any clear historical or archaeological evidence supporting such a preserved tradition?XXII.

(1) Then answered Eliphaz.--Eliphaz proceeds to reply in a far more exaggerated and offensive tone than he has yet adopted, accusing Job of definite and specific crimes. He begins by asserting that the judgment of God cannot be other than disinterested, that if, therefore, He rewards or punishes, there cannot be anything personal in it.

Verses 1-30. - Eliphaz returns to the attack, but with observations that are at first strangely pointless and irrelevant, e.g. on the unprofitableness of man to God (vers. l, 2), and on the slight importance of Job's case (ver. 3). After this weak prelude, however, there is more vigour in his assault. In vers. 4-9 he directly charges Job with a number of specified sins, and in vers. 10, 11 declares his sufferings to be the consequence of them. He then proceeds to accuse him of denying God's omniscience (vers. 12-14), and, alter some not very successful attempts to retort on him his own words (vers. 15-20), finally recurs to his favourite devices (see Job 5:17-26) of exhorting Job to submission and repentance, and promising him restoration to God's favour and a return of prosperity (vers. 21-30). Verses 1, 2. - Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Can a man be profitable unto God? Job had said nothing upon this point; but perhaps Eliphaz thinks his complaints and expostulations to imply a higher value in man, and a greater claim to consideration at God's hands, than can rightly be challenged. Certainly God does not depend on man for profit or advantage of any kind. Neither our wisdom nor our goodness "extendeth to him." As he that is wise may be profitable unto himself; rather, truly he that is wise is profitable unto himself; i.e. to himself only, and not to God. Man's intelligence and researches can add nothing to God's knowledge.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Then Eliphaz
אֱלִיפַ֥ז (’ĕ·lî·p̄az)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 464: Eliphaz -- 'God is fine gold', a son of Esau, also a friend of Job

the Temanite
הַֽתֵּמָנִ֗י (hat·tê·mā·nî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8489: Temanite -- inhabitant of Teman

replied:
וַ֭יַּעַן (way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond


Job 22:1 NIV
Job 22:1 NLT
Job 22:1 ESV
Job 22:1 NASB
Job 22:1 KJV

Job 22:1 BibleApps.com
Job 22:1 Biblia Paralela
Job 22:1 Chinese Bible
Job 22:1 French Bible
Job 22:1 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Job 22:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered (Jb)