Job 22:27

Context

Job 22:27 is part of Eliphaz the Temanite's third and final discourse to Job. In this chapter, Eliphaz intensifies his accusations against Job, insisting that Job's immense suffering must be a direct consequence of his grievous sins. He urges Job to return to God, implying that if Job would repent and turn from his supposed wickedness, God would surely restore him to prosperity and favor. This verse, therefore, is presented as a promise of divine blessing contingent upon Job's repentance and proper conduct, reflecting Eliphaz's belief in a strict cause-and-effect relationship between righteousness and prosperity, and sin and suffering – a view that the book of Job ultimately challenges in its application to Job's blameless character.

Key Themes

• Divine Responsiveness to Prayer: The verse emphasizes that God hears the prayers of those who approach Him, particularly in the context of repentance and seeking His favor. This highlights God's attentiveness to His creation.
• The Importance of Vows: It underscores the sacredness of promises made to God. Once a commitment or vow is made, there is an expectation for it to be fulfilled, demonstrating integrity and faithfulness in one's relationship with the Almighty.
• Conditional Restoration: From Eliphaz's perspective, this verse presents a pathway to restoration: repentance leads to heard prayers, which then leads to a requirement to fulfill any vows made during the period of distress or for deliverance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "prayer" is tephillah (תְּפִלָּה), a general term for supplication or intercession. The phrase "he shall hear thee" uses the verb shama (שָׁמַע), which means not just to perceive sound, but to listen attentively, to heed, or to respond. This implies a divine engagement with the one praying. "Thou shalt pay thy vows" uses the verb shalam (שָׁלַם), meaning to complete, fulfill, or make whole. A "vow" (neder, נֶדֶר) is a solemn promise or pledge made to God, often in exchange for a blessing or deliverance. The emphasis here is on the integrity and faithfulness required in fulfilling such commitments.

Practical Application

While Eliphaz's counsel was misapplied to Job, the general principles embedded in this verse hold timeless truths for believers:

• God Hears Prayer: Believers can have confidence that God truly listens to their prayers, especially those offered with a sincere heart and in repentance. 1 John 5:14 affirms this confidence, stating that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
• Integrity in Promises: The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping promises made to God. Whether it's a commitment to serve, to give, or to live a certain way, Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns against making vows lightly and encourages fulfilling them promptly.
• Pathway to Reconciliation: Though Job was righteous, the principle that repentance can lead to God's favorable hearing and restoration remains a core biblical teaching. When we genuinely turn from sin, God is faithful to forgive and draw us near.