Big Idea: Eliphaz accuses Job of sins he has not committed and gives Job advice that does not apply to him.

Understanding the Text

Job 22 begins the third and final cycle of speeches, and it is evident that Job and his friends are rapidly reaching an impasse. In the third round, the speeches are much shorter than before, and eventually the dialogue disintegrates completely when Zophar’s turn comes but he does not speak (after chapter 26). In addition, the speakers are increasingly frustrated and caustic with one another. In Job 22, Eliphaz takes a hostile tone of condemnation as he seeks to maintain his own theological dogma by attacking Job’s integrity. He begins by stating that Job’s situation is of little concern to Almighty God (22:1–5). He goes on to charge that Job is ethically wro…