22:1–30 Review · Finishing up his last speech in the second cycle, Job has flatly denied the principle of retribution. Eliphaz, urbane statesman, is pushed to the edge. Job is entrenched; he is immovable. He must be convinced of his guilt. God derives no benefit from wise and righteous mortals; he gains nothing from blamelessness. Job’s yirah (NIV’s “piety” in 22:4; see comments on 4:2–6) certainly would not bring rebuke. Thus, for Eliphaz, Job must see that his calamity is payment for sin, which he now boldly details (22:6–11). Eliphaz accuses Job of inappropriately challenging God (22:13–14), a path that leads to sure ruin (22:15–20). Eliphaz leaves Job with a final appeal: “Submit to God” (22:21). Though his words are harsh, the humane side of Eliphaz dimly shines through. How could it…