Job 22:20

Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth.

Whereas {H518} our substance {H7009} is not cut down {H3582}, but the remnant {H3499} of them the fire {H784} consumeth {H398}.

'Indeed, our substance has not been not cut off, but the fire has consumed their wealth.'

โ€˜Surely our foes are destroyed, and fire has consumed their excess.โ€™

Saying, Surely they that did rise up against us are cut off, And the remnant of them the fire hath consumed.

Commentary

Job 22:20 is part of Eliphaz the Temanite's final and most direct accusation against Job. In this verse, Eliphaz asserts the conventional wisdom of his time: that the righteous are preserved, and the wicked are utterly destroyed by divine judgment. He uses this as an argument to imply Job's guilt.

Context

This verse is situated within Eliphaz's third discourse (Job 22:1-30), where he intensifies his argument that Job's immense suffering must be a direct consequence of significant sin. Eliphaz, speaking for himself and his friends, declares, "Whereas our substance is not cut down," contrasting their presumed prosperity and security with the fate of the wicked. He suggests that while they, the righteous, are protected and their wealth preserved, "the remnant of them the fire consumeth," referring to the complete annihilation of what little remains of the wicked. This statement serves to bolster his accusation that Job, clearly suffering, must belong to the latter category. For the arrival of Job's friends and the beginning of their dialogues, see Job 2:11.

Key Themes

  • Retribution Theology: A central theme in the Book of Job, particularly among Job's friends, is the belief that God always rewards righteousness with prosperity and punishes wickedness with suffering. Eliphaz's statement perfectly encapsulates this rigid understanding of divine justice, which the book ultimately challenges.
  • Divine Judgment: The phrase "the fire consumeth" is a powerful biblical metaphor for swift and complete divine judgment. It signifies absolute destruction, leaving nothing behind for the wicked. This imagery is often associated with God's wrath against sin, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24).
  • Contrast Between Righteous and Wicked: The verse sharply contrasts the supposed enduring prosperity of the righteous ("our substance is not cut down") with the utter devastation of the wicked. This reinforces the friends' black-and-white view of God's dealings with humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "our substance" translates the Hebrew word cheyl (ื—ึตื™ืœ), which can refer to strength, wealth, property, or resources. Eliphaz uses it to denote their material well-being and security. The term "cut down" (nikhchad / ื ึดื›ึฐื—ึทื“) implies being destroyed, hidden, or utterly removed. The powerful imagery of "the fire consumeth" (esh tokhel / ืึตืฉื ืชึผึนืื›ึตืœ) vividly depicts total annihilation, leaving no trace or remnant of the wicked. This connects to the biblical concept of God as a "consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:29).

Practical Application and Reflection

While Eliphaz's specific application of this theology to Job was flawed, the verse prompts reflection on the broader concept of divine justice. It reminds us that ultimately, God is just and does not allow wickedness to triumph indefinitely. However, the Book of Job itself teaches us that immediate suffering is not always a direct indicator of personal sin, and that God's ways are often beyond human comprehension. The true prosperity of the believer is not solely material but includes spiritual blessings and an enduring relationship with God, regardless of outward circumstances. This verse challenges us to consider our own understanding of God's justice and to avoid simplistic conclusions about others' circumstances.

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Cross-References

  • Job 1:16

    While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

  • Job 20:26

    All darkness [shall be] hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.

  • 2 Peter 2:6

    And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned [them] with an overthrow, making [them] an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

  • 2 Peter 2:7

    ยถ And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

  • Job 21:27

    ยถ Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices [which] ye wrongfully imagine against me.

  • Job 21:28

    For ye say, Where [is] the house of the prince? and where [are] the dwelling places of the wicked?

  • Job 4:7

    ยถ Remember, I pray thee, who [ever] perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?