Job 5:20-27

20 In famine, he will save you from death, and in war, from the power of the sword.
21 You will be shielded from the lash of the tongue, and you won't have to fear destruction when it comes -
22 you'll be able to laugh at destruction and famine. Also you won't have to fear wild animals,
23 for you will be in league with the stones in the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you.
24 You will know that your tent is safe; you will look round your home and miss nothing.
25 You will know that your descendants are many, your offspring like grass [growing thick] in the fields.
26 You will come to your grave at a ripe old age, like a pile of grain that arrives in season.
27 "We've looked into this, and that's how it is; listen, and know that it's for your own good."

Job 5:20-27 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.

Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.