We now begin the second cycle of debates. This round, however, will primarily focus on why good things happen to bad people. If it’s true that Hashem rewards the Tzaddikim and punishes the Reshaim, a person who goes against His will, transgressing the Torah, should theoretically live a difficult life. We see people, however, who openly violate the Torah, and are enemies of Hashem's people, yet seem to live prosperous lives.
In this round of speeches, Iyov’s friends ratchet up the tension and tone by speaking more directly and harshly to him.
Rav Shwab is quick to note that we shouldn't forget that Iyov is really considered a Tzaddik, as the opening passuk in the sefer says that he was a perfect, straight, and God fearing man. There was no one like him in all the land.
Now for the perek itself. This is Elifaz’s second response to Iyov. The Malbim explains that Elifaz’s essential answer is that even though it appears that the wicked are prospering, it only seems that way. Deep down, they are filled with constant fear, anxiety, worry and strife.
In verses 1 through 6, Elifaz is antagonistic, telling Iyov that his arguments are bad and futile. Elifaz actually calls him a kofer, heretic, for stating false beliefs and undermining the basic principles of Emunah and Hashgacha Pratis.
In verse 4, Eliphaz says “Af atah taf’eir yirah v’sigra sicha lifnei El - Thus you uproot fear and diminish prayer before God.” The Malbim explains that Eliphaz was saying that since Iyov asserts that man doesn't have free choice and there’s no reward and punishment, there’s no reason to daven to God anymore!
In verse 7 Elifaz tells Iyov that just because he reached his conclusions about life through trying to understand his own life experiences doesn't mean that his assumptions are correct. “Were you the first person ever born?”
In passuk 11, Elifaz rebukes Iyov for denying the ultimate consolation of reward in the World to Come. “Are the consolations of God a small matter to you, that which is secreted within you?”
In verses 14 through 16, Elifaz again insists that man must suffer to cleanse himself of sin. Even Angels are not totally innocent.
From passuk 17 until the end of the perek, Elifaz describes the lives of Reshaim as filled with worry, anxiety, strife, resentment, anger, and inner turmoil.
The Malbim explains that this is really Elifaz’s answer to why good things happen to bad people. Success shouldn't be measured by superficial external and monetary gain. True success is measured by the calm and tranquility experienced by a person with Emunah. A person who lives with Hashem doesn't live in a state of constant fear and worry, but revels in the security of knowing that God is with him.
Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily, when we’ll see how Iyov responds.
Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.
