Job 5:23

For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.

For thou shalt be in league {H1285} with the stones {H68} of the field {H7704}: and the beasts {H2416} of the field {H7704} shall be at peace {H7999} with thee.

for you will be in league with the stones in the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you.

For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you.

For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field; And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.

Commentary

Job 5:23 is part of Eliphaz the Temanite's first speech to Job, where he attempts to explain Job's suffering as a consequence of sin and offers a path to restoration through repentance and seeking God. In this verse, Eliphaz paints a picture of comprehensive blessing and security for the righteous individual, suggesting that even the natural world will align to protect and serve them.

Context

Eliphaz, one of Job's three friends, speaks from a traditional perspective of retributive justice: righteousness leads to blessing, and sin leads to suffering. He urges Job to confess his supposed wrongdoing and return to God, promising that divine favor will result in complete protection and prosperity. This particular verse highlights the extent of this promised security, extending beyond human conflicts to the very elements of nature and the animal kingdom, portraying an almost Edenic harmony.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Security: The core message is God's profound care for those who are in right relationship with Him. Eliphaz suggests that God's protection is so absolute that it extends to every potential threat, even from the seemingly inanimate "stones of the field" and the unpredictable "beasts of the field."
  • Harmony with Creation: This verse envisions a state of peace and accord between humanity and the natural world, reminiscent of the original harmony in the Garden of Eden. It implies that when humanity is in proper alignment with its Creator, the rest of creation also responds favorably. This concept is echoed in other prophetic texts, such as Hosea 2:18, where God promises a covenant with the beasts of the field.
  • Blessings of Righteousness: While Eliphaz's application to Job was ultimately incorrect, the verse points to a general biblical principle that walking with God brings blessings and peace. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's providence over His people.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "league" comes from the Hebrew bฤ•rรฎt (ื‘ึฐึผืจึดื™ืช), which is commonly translated as 'covenant' or 'agreement'. It implies a formal, binding relationship or alliance. Here, it suggests that God Himself orchestrates a protective pact between the righteous individual and the natural elements, ensuring their safety.
  • "Peace" is from the Hebrew shalom (ืฉึธืืœื•ึนื), a rich word meaning more than just the absence of conflict. It signifies wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmonious relationships. The promise is for a deep and comprehensive peace with one's surroundings.

Practical Application

Although Eliphaz's counsel was misapplied to Job's unique situation, the underlying truth in Job 5:23 speaks to God's comprehensive care for those who trust Him. It reminds us that when we seek God and live according to His ways, He provides a deep sense of security and peace that transcends worldly anxieties. This verse encourages us to trust in God's divine protection and providence, knowing that He oversees all aspects of our lives, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. It also subtly highlights the ideal state of harmony between humanity and creation, a harmony that is ultimately restored through God's redemptive work, looking forward to a time when all things are made new and true peace with creation is fully realized.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 26:6 (10 votes)

    And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make [you] afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

  • Hosea 2:18 (8 votes)

    And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and [with] the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.

  • Daniel 6:22 (7 votes)

    My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

  • Isaiah 11:6 (7 votes)

    The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

  • Isaiah 11:9 (7 votes)

    They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

  • Psalms 91:12 (6 votes)

    They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

  • Psalms 91:13 (6 votes)

    Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.