Job 22:12

In the height. Eliphaz calls attention to the transcendence and omnipotence of God. This is merely a repetition of the oft-repeated argument of Job’s friends. They placed great emphasis on the sovereignty of God. To a degree many of their statements were correct, but eventually the very God whom they described in such exalted words rebuked them for what they had said (ch. 42:7). Statement of abstract facts is not sufficient. Correct application of such facts is essential. In ch. 21, Job had rested his case on observable, undeniable facts. Instead of meeting these facts, Eliphaz reproached Job for denying divine providence, and sought to obscure what God actually does, by calling attention to what God is able to do.

Many since Eliphaz’ time have fallen into similar error. What God chooses to do is of infinitely greater significance than what He is theoretically able to do. Job is seeking to understand God, whereas Eliphaz is merely trying to defend God. In the long run the person who tries to make clear the mysteries of God’s dealings defends God more effectively than the person who is content with mere expressions of submission. Of course the human mind cannot fathom all God’s ways, but that which may be understood concerning God should be diligently sought after.

It is entirely right and proper that we should exert our best energies to understand what God has seen fit to reveal concerning His ways of dealing with His creatures. The very fact that He has seen fit to make certain information available is evidence that He intends it to be known. But man sets out on a path fraught with peril when he presumes to fathom that which God has not seen fit to reveal. Here is where many have lost their way and made shipwreck of their souls. Let us therefore be content with what God has seen fit to reveal, but diligent in our efforts to understand as much as finite minds can.