Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?
Think about it, please, has anyone who was truly innocent ever been destroyed? When have the righteous ever been completely cut off?
Eliphaz is arguing that innocent people don't suffer destruction, implying that those who suffer must have done something wrong.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Job, Eliphaz is one of Job's friends who visits him after Job suffers devastating losses, including his wealth, health, and family, and he challenges Job's complaints by appealing to traditional wisdom. Eliphaz argues that innocent people do not perish, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern belief in divine retribution, where God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. This view was common in that cultural context, where prosperity was often seen as a direct sign of God's favor.
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