Job 5:20-22

20 In famine he will deliver you from death, and in battle from the stroke of the sword.
21 You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and need not fear when destruction comes.
22 You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the wild animals.

Job 5:20-22 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 5

In this chapter Eliphaz goes on to prove, and further confirm and establish, what he had before asserted, that not good men, but wicked men only, are afflicted of God, at least greatly, so as to have their substance wholly destroyed and perish, which was Job's case; and this partly from the case, state, and sentiments of all the saints, Job 5:1,2; and from his own observation and experience, Job 5:3-5; and then he proceeds to give some advice; and seeing afflictions do not come by chance, but are of God, it is right in such circumstances for a man to seek to the Lord for pardon and salvation, and commit his cause unto him, Job 5:6-8; who does many great things in a providential way to the good of man in general, and to the disappointment of wicked crafty men, and to the serving of the poor in particular, Job 5:9-16; so that it is best patiently to bear the afflicting hand of God, and it is an happiness to be corrected by him, since he delivers such out of all their troubles, and preserves them from many evils, and bestows many good things on them; which would be Job's case particularly, if he behaved according to the advice given, and which is left with him to consider of, Job 5:17-27.

Cross References 8

  • 1. ver 22; Psalms 33:19; Psalms 37:19
  • 2. Psalms 22:20; Psalms 91:7; Psalms 140:7; Psalms 144:10; Jeremiah 39:18
  • 3. Psalms 12:2-4; Psalms 31:20
  • 4. Psalms 23:4; Psalms 27:1; Psalms 91:5
  • 5. ver 15
  • 6. Job 8:21; Job 39:7,18,22; Job 41:29
  • 7. S ver 20
  • 8. S Leviticus 25:18; Psalms 91:13; Ezekiel 34:25; Hosea 2:18; Mark 1:13
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