Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust ; rather, then shalt thou lay thy treasure in the dust ; i.e. hold it in slight esteem, because of its abundance. And the gold of Ophir (literally, and Ophir ) shall be to thee as the stones of the brooks ,. "Ophir" stands, no doubt, for untold wealth, being the great gold- producing country (see 1 Kings 9:28 ; 1 Kings 10:11 ; 1 Kings 22:48 , 1 Chronicles 29:1-30 :41; Psalms 45:9 ; Isaiah 13:12 ). read more
Rich in God. The idea of these verses seems to be that if a man will give up his earthly riches, his jewels and gold of Ophir, God will be to him a Defence, and as gold ore and silver in bars. I. RENUNCIATION THE CONDITION OF TRUE WEALTH . We do not get the best riches by grasping, but by giving. Sacrifice, not selfishness, is the source of the highest prosperity. We must renounce in order that we may attain. This principle is exemplified in various ways 1 . Typified in... read more
Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defense ; rather, thy treasure. The word is the same as that used in the first clause of Job 22:24 , It properly signifies "ore." The general meaning of the passage seems to be, "However rich thou mayest be in the precious metals, thy true treasure—that which thou wilt value most—will be the Almighty himself." And thou shalt have plenty of silver ; or, and he shall be previous silver unto thee (see the Revised Version). read more
For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty . God shall no longer be a terror and alarm to thee, as he is at present ( Job 7:17-20 ; Job 9:17 , Job 9:34 ; Job 10:15-17 ; Job 13:21 ; Job 19:6-13 , etc.), but a source of rejoicing and joy. Thou shalt have blessings at his hands instead of sufferings, rewards instead of punishments. Therefore shalt thou delight in him, and shalt lift up thy rites unto God; i.e. "shalt turn towards him, like the sunflower towards the... read more
The joy of the Lord. I. THE INTERIOR EXPERIENCE . "Delight in the Almighty." 1 . God gives joy . As we have but to acquaint ourselves with God to be at peace ( Job 22:21 ), so we have but go appreciate his intentions go see that he does not wish us to be in distress. 2 . This joy is in himself. We have to learn by experience how this is the case, for no words can express it. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,… the things which God hath prepared for them that love him" (... read more
Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee . Now Job prays, but is not heard; he asks for death, but it does not come; he begs for a respite from suffering, but it is refused him; he beseeches God to enter into argument with him ( Job 9:32-34 ; Job 10:2 ), but God vouchsafes no answer. Let him follow Eliphaz's advice, "return to the Almighty" (verse 23), humble himself in the dust, repent and "put away his iniquity" (verse 23), and then, Eliphaz promises him, all shall... read more
The prayer that shall be hears. This verse is one of a series that describe the happy results of the penitent return to God referred to in Job 22:23 . Thus Eliphaz means that after we have returned in penitence to God our prayer will be heard. His principle is quite in accordance with the teaching of Scripture, though, as usual, his application of it to Job is unjust. I. PRAYER IS AN ELEMENT OF PROSPERITY . It is not only a condition on which prosperity is given; it is a... read more
Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee . Whatever thou resolvest on, i.e; God shall ratify with his authority, and bring to pass in due time for thy benefit—a promise which has certainly "a touch of audacity" about it (Cook). David is less bold, but intends to give the same sort of encouragement when he says, "Delight thyself in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart; commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it... read more
When men are cast down, then thou shalt say , There is lifting up; rather, when men cast down ' and thou shalt say , Let there be lifting up ; i.e. when oppressors have cast a man down, and thou appealest to God, and prayest for his lifting up, then he ( i.e. God) shall save the humble person. God shall hear thy, prayer, and the oppressed person shall be rescued and saved. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Job 22:23
The penitent's return and restoration. I. THE RETURN . 1 . To God. All sin is departure from God; and repentance is a return to God. As the fall is from personal relations, so the recovery is a renewal of personal relations. When the sinner comes to himself, he sees that his one hope is to "arise and go unto" his Father. Thus the very Being against whom he has sinned is sought for pardon and restoration. Now, it is not possible to mend our ways without thus coming back to God.... read more