Job 22:21

Job 22:21 KJV presents a pivotal piece of advice from Eliphaz the Temanite to Job, urging him to reconcile with God as a path to peace and prosperity. While spoken by one of Job's friends whose understanding of suffering was ultimately flawed, this particular verse contains a profound truth about the benefits of a right relationship with the Almighty.

Context of Job 22:21

This verse is part of Eliphaz's third and final speech to Job. Throughout the book of Job, Eliphaz and his friends operate under the traditional theological framework of their time: that suffering is a direct result of sin, and prosperity is a sign of righteousness. In this chapter, Eliphaz directly accuses Job of various sins, urging him to confess and repent to find restoration. While Eliphaz's premise about Job's specific situation was incorrect (Job was righteous, and his suffering was not a punishment for sin), his general call to "acquaint thyself with him" (God) and "be at peace" carries a timeless spiritual principle. It reflects a common wisdom tradition found in the Old Testament, emphasizing the importance of a relationship with the Divine for well-being.

Key Themes and Messages

• Reconciliation with God: The central command is to "acquaint now thyself with him," implying a need to draw near, understand, and submit to God. This isn't just about intellectual knowledge but a deep, personal relationship with the Creator.
• The Blessing of Peace: Acquaintance with God leads to "peace." This peace (Hebrew: shalom) is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being, wholeness, and tranquility that comes from being rightly related to God. It encompasses spiritual, mental, and emotional harmony.
• Prosperity and Goodness: The promise "thereby good shall come unto thee" suggests that a right relationship with God brings forth blessings and positive outcomes. While Eliphaz tied this directly to material prosperity, the "good" can also encompass spiritual blessings, inner contentment, and divine favor, irrespective of external circumstances. This resonates with the idea that tasting and seeing that the Lord is good brings true satisfaction.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "acquaint" (sāḵan) can mean to be profitable, to be accustomed, or to be familiar with. It suggests a deep, ongoing familiarity and intimacy rather than a superficial understanding. The word for "peace" (shalom) is rich in meaning, encompassing completeness, soundness, welfare, and prosperity. It's the comprehensive well-being that God desires for His people.

Related Scriptures

While Eliphaz's advice was misapplied to Job, the principle of finding peace and good through a relationship with God is a cornerstone of biblical teaching:

• For the New Testament understanding of how believers achieve peace with God through Christ, see Romans 5:1.
• The importance of knowing God and walking in His ways for true blessing is echoed in Jeremiah 9:24, which emphasizes glorying in understanding and knowing the Lord.
• The idea of God bringing good to those who seek Him is a consistent theme, as seen in James 4:8, which invites us to draw near to God, and He will draw near to us.

Practical Application

Job 22:21 serves as a timeless invitation for all individuals to cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. In a world full of anxiety and turmoil, seeking peace and good through genuine acquaintance with the Creator remains profoundly relevant. This involves:

1. Intentional Pursuit: Actively seeking God through prayer, studying His Word, and meditation.
2. Submission and Trust: Yielding to His will and trusting in His character, even when circumstances are challenging.
3. Experiencing Holistic Peace: Allowing God's presence to bring inner calm and well-being that transcends external difficulties.

The verse reminds us that true "good" ultimately flows from being in harmony with our Maker, providing a foundation for life that is stable and blessed.