Job 5:20-27

20 In famine he will redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword.
21 You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes.
22 At destruction and famine you shall laugh, and shall not fear the wild animals of the earth.
23 For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the wild animals shall be at peace with you.
24 You shall know that your tent is safe, you shall inspect your fold and miss nothing.
25 You shall know that your descendants will be many, and your offspring like the grass of the earth.
26 You shall come to your grave in ripe old age, as a shock of grain comes up to the threshing floor in its season.
27 See, we have searched this out; it is true. Hear, and know it for yourself."

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.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.