WISDOM OF THE OLD Eliphaz did not comment on what ‘Job’ said, but left it to ‘Bildad’ who shared his same views; The three friends strongly believed that the calamities which dwelt on ‘Job’ were a divine punishment on hidden sins known only to God. Bildad, rebuking ‘Job’ for what he said, confirms that God acts with wisdom, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked; and wonders how ‘Job’ dare to accuse God of injustice. Saying that, when men forget God, they would justly perish; he assumes that the sudden death of Job’s children, was a divine punishment for their sins; that was undoubtedly like a sword he stabbed in Job’s heart which was already bleeding with grief. It is difficult to consider Bildad’s talks as debates; because he was a man of tradition, fond of the wisdom of the old, without enjoying a personal experience of sufferings or temptations. He believed that Job’s troubles are a natural fruit of his evil behavior, or of that of his children; and that if he was a righteous man, as he claimed to be, and sought from God to give him back his lost blessings, He would listen to him and would give him more abundantly than that what he used to have before (2-7). He rebukes ‘Job’, because his experience could never be compared to the wisdom of the old; And as examples from nature: Like the Papyrus leaves which, without a plenty of water, would not grow but would dry up; A wicked man would lose the water of God’s blessing (11-13); And assuming that his house and possessions are secure, they would be soon destroyed like a fragile spider’s web; or would be like reeds that flourish, then disappear to be replaced by new reeds (16-19). According to him, the calamities that ‘Job’ is experiencing are only befitting to his transgressions; and that he would be forgiven by God if he corrected his ways (20- 21). Such views by Bildad, we would not reject all together; But would compare with what came in Luke 13: 14; and John 9: 2-3. 1- Job’s talks are against the truth of God 1 – 2 2- God is just in what would dwell upon believers 3 – 4 3- A destructive counsel 5 – 7 4- Accusing ‘Job’ of hypocrisy 8 – 19 5- A call for blamelessness 20– 22 1- JOB’S TALKS ARE AGAINST THE TRUTH OF GOD: “Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said: ‘How long will you speak these things, And the words of your mouth be like a strong wind?’” (Job 8: 1, 2). Aggressively, intending to mute Job’s mouth, and trying to criticize his protesting attitude, Bildad rebukes him saying: “How long will you speak these things?”. It is as though saying, that what Eliphaz said should be enough, and that ‘Job’ should keep his mouth shut. He likened Job’s attitude to a stormy wind, yet could never stand before the divine justice. St. John Chrysostom believes that Bildad has been unjustly aggressive against the righteous ‘Job’. If he used a little patience and understanding, he would realize that what Job said was no more than a natural reaction to the terrible sufferings and temptations he is passing through; And that ‘Job’, despite his admonition to God, did not deny that he is a sinner, and asked God to forgive him. Bildad’s aggressiveness led him to fall into unjust condemnation of the righteous ‘Job’, and to an exaggerated 2 criticism of his good words, which he claimed to be evil. He did not realize that a suffering human being has got a natural right to express what he feels inside him. Did ‘Job’ ever say that he is suffering from oppression? No, he never said that! But, talking about his natural weakness, he says: “Am I a sea, or a sea serpent?” (Job 7; 12); “Is my strength, the strength of stones?” (Job 6: 13); What is my life? If I live forever, I would patiently endure! Besides, confessing that he is a sinner, he says: “Why do You not pardon my transgressions, and take away my iniquity?” (Job 7: 12). Bildad condemns himself when he fails to appreciate that those who actually suffer pain, would find comfort in expressing themselves; having heard ‘Job’ say: “I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit” (Job 7: 11); namely, [The words I utter come from necessity]. As a golden vessel, because of its high value, should not be used to contain lowly things; The mouth, which is more valuable than gold, should never be defiled by uttering bad words, or reviling others. St. John Chrysostom The words of the righteous are always offensive to the oppressors; And what they hear for edification, is like a heavy burden on their shoulders. This is clearly proven by the attitude of ‘Bildad’ when he says to ‘Job’: “How long will you speak these things?” (Job 8: 2). The oppressors boast that what they utter is always the right thing; and find faults in what is said by others. An exaggerated criticism would deprive one’s words of their meaning. The wicked would always oppose good issues; lest they may appear as ignorant of what is right! Pope Gregory the Great The Holy Book and the holy fathers warn us against the sin done by Bildad; namely, talking too much with haste; which always lead to condemnation, and exaggerated bitter criticism. “When words are many, transgression is not lacking” (Proverbs 10: 19). “Dreams come with many cares, and a fool’s voice with many words” (Ecclesiastes 5: 3). “With many dreams come vanities and a multitude of words; But fear God” (Ecclesiastes 5: 7). The apostle James says that nothing and no one can humiliate or rein the tongue; it can only happen through God’s compassionate grace and help1. Man can tame wild beasts; But he cannot rein his own tongue. Man can control everything except himself; that is beyond his power! Man can control everything he fears, or he should fear; whereas his own self, that he does not fear, he cannot control! Therefore, let us resort to God who can control us, saying to Him: “Lord, You are, and was always our refuge”. Can man, the image of God, tame a lion; and God cannot tame His own image?! 1 De Nat et Grat. 3 We should place our hope in that ‘Tamer’! Let us submit to Him, and seek His mercy… Let us ask Him to control us to become blameless... If we sometimes use whips to tame wild beasts, Is it much for God to use this tool to turn us, His wild beasts, into His obedient children1?! St. Augustine A multitude of words is a throne of arrogance, from which selfishness, boasting, and pride, would emerge! A multitude of words is a reference to ignorance; a door to gossip, vain and irresponsibly funny talk; and a servant to lies and hypocrisy. A multitude of words scatters memory; decrease alertness; cools down enthusiasm; and makes prayer lukewarm2! St. John El-Dargy Beware of the fast-talking tongue, and the ears fond of hearing gossip; Do not belittle others; nor listen to those who do! St. Jerome Do not hasten to talk with your tongue; the mouth is a snare of death! Someone by the name Barnabas Who controls his tongue, would never lose his treasure. The mouth of the silent interprets the secrets of God’ and he, who hastens to talk distances himself from his Creator3! The spiritual elder We should rarely rebuke others; and if we have to do, we should care to serve God and not ourselves! Let us have one goal; not do anything with double heart! Let us take out of our eyes the plank of envy, hate and hypocrisy; so as to be able to remove the speck out of our brother’s eye! Let us see the speck by the eyes of a dove; by the eyes of the bride of Christ (Song of songs 4: 1); a glorious church, chosen by God for himself , not having a spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5: 27)4. St. Augustine Do not judge your brother, to be yourself, worthy of forgiveness; You may always see him at fault; Yet you would never know, how would be the way he will leave this world. The thief, who was crucified together with Jesus, has been a bloody murderer; whereas Judas has been one of the closest Disciples of Christ; yet within a very short time, that thief ended in paradise, whereas the disciple was found worthy of hanging and perdition! St. Augustine 2- GOD IS JUST IN WHAT WOULD DWELL ON BELIEVERS: “Does God subvert judgment? Or does the Almighty pervert justice?” (Job 8: 3). 1 عظات على فصول منتخبة من العهد الجدید. . 2 سلم السماء 2 :11 3 أي القدیس یوحنا سابا: عن بستان الرهبان. 4 Sermon on the Mount 2:66. 4 Bildad counted Job’s agitation as against God; and as an accusation that God subverts judgment and perverts justice! Yet far from it, that anyone would think that way! Man, in his weakness, may pervert justice out of fear; But God the Almighty, would never be oppressive, nor do vanity. The righteous ‘Job’ did not deny that in his talk, nor was ignorant of it, when he restrained his tongue. But the arrogant utter the well known facts with big words, in order to look learned! They do not keep their peace with a spirit of humility; lest they may be thought, in their silence, as ignorant. They would only commend God’s straightness of justice, when they are secure of calamities; when they enjoy prosperity in their life; while others are suffering. Walking in evil, they assume that they are righteous. Imagining that their prosperity is because of their own worthiness, they deduce that God would never do oppression... But once their life is ever touched by the rod of correction, even to the least degree, they would hasten to attack the divine policy; Whereas, a little while ago – when they were enjoying security – they were profusely commending God’s ordainments. They refuse any judgment that touches them as being unjust...; according to the words of the Psalmist: “He will praise you when you do well to him” (Psalm 49: 18). Therefore we should not marvel to hear Bildad commending God’s justice, as long as it does not touch him! Pope Gregory the Great Pope Gregory the Great sees in Job’s friends a symbol of the heretics, who count the affliction that would dwell upon the church, for the sake of her edification, as a kind of divine justice; While considering the prosperity they enjoy as because of their own worthiness. The devil often supports the heretics in all generations by temporal honors, to draw God’s children away from the bosom of the holy church; either by deceitful shining philosophies; by material privileges; or through keeping them from the kind of affliction suffered by the bride of the Crucified. That was the role of Bildad, who thought of his ignorance as wisdom; and counted ‘Job’ as a blasphemer against the Almighty God, and a rebel against the divine justice. The devil fabricates heresies and dissensions to corrupt faith, to distort the truth, and to destroy unity. And being unable to keep us in the dark ways of his dogmas, he draws us into a new maze of deceit. He draws people away from the church; And when they think that they have approached light, and escaped away from the darkness of the world, he lets them sink into a new darkness of which they are not aware. While, not abiding to the Holy Book, to the system and law of Christ, they claim to be in the light, through the smooth deceptions of the enemy, about whom the apostle says, he can appear as an angel of light; and can adorn his ministers as those of righteousness. They call night as day; death as salvation; despair as hope; betrayal as faithfulness; and the anti-Christ as Christ; They suppress the truth by deception, through demonstrating it in a false way. 5 This is what happens, brethren, when we do not return to the Fountain of Truth; when we do not look at the Head, and we do not keep the teachings coming from heaven1. St. Cyprian The devil is used to imitate the things concerning God; he sets false messengers to oppose the true ones; and he even takes the form of an angel to deceive men2. Theodoret, Bishop of Coresh Some philosophers have elaborate debates on virtues and iniquities; discerning between them, and defining them; They fill books with many words introducing their wisdom; daring to persuade people to follow them, if they wish to live happily. Yet they do not enter through the door; they intend to destroy, slay, and kill3! We should discern between these types of people: those whom it is befitting to love; those with whom we should bear, and those of whom we should be aware; the shepherd to be loved; the hired hand to bear with; and the thief to be aware of4. St. Augustine “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition; knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self condemned” (Titus 3: 10, 11). I wish we, like wise seamen, would, in our faith, sail prudently along the safe coasts of the holy books. St. Ambrose “If your sons have sinned against Him, He has cast them away for their transgression” (Job 8: 4). Referring what dwelt upon Job’s children, as a fruit of their wickedness and transgressions, and a just punishment from God, inflamed the wounds of Job more and more! ‘Job’ used regularly to present to God burnt offerings on behalf of his children, for fear that they might have sinned and cursed God in their hearts (Job 1: 5); But no one could claim that what happened to them is a natural fruit of their transgressions! 3- A DESTRUCTIVE COUNSEL: “If you would earnestly (‘early in the morning’ – in the Arabic version) seek God and make your supplication to the Almighty…” (Job 8: 5). Amazingly, Bildad gives ‘Job’ a kind of counsel that reveals the darkness of his own heart. Although his advice to him to earnestly seek God (‘early in the morning’ in Arabic version), and to make supplication to Him, may sound reasonable and even splendid, Yet he portrays prayers as a way to acquire temporal gifts, and not to enjoy the Giver of gifts Himself; Counting the divine response to prayers, by giving temporal gifts, a sign of God’s pleasure, and of the holiness and worthiness of the one who prays. This is undoubtedly a wrong and dangerous reference that corrupts the faith in God, who wants us to seek His kingdom and righteousness, and then all the other things would be given to us in abundance. There is nothing against asking God, being our godly Father, for anything we may need, even for little things, as a token of our living fellowship with Him; Yet His 1 The Unity of the Catholic Church, 3. 2 PG 82:442. 3 St. Augustine: On the Gospel of St. John, tractate 45: 3. 4 Sermon on N.T. Lessons, 87:5. 6 response by giving us what we prayed for, would never be a sign of our worthiness, or of God’s love for us. Most probably, Bildad was sure that ‘Job’ would never get back what he has lost; and that would be another sign of his wickedness, just like that of his children. And on another aspect, Bildad’s measure of righteousness and uprightness was man’s enjoyment of temporal things. According to Pope Gregory the Great, the enjoyment of temporal pleasures is counted by wicked men as a blessing that refers to God’s pleasure with them. Prayer, according to St. Augustine, is a language of the longing of the soul and the heart toward God: Prayer is a way of a loving mind to reach God; It preoccupies the whole life of a good Christian; his mind, heart, knowledge, and love, in a holy desire1. Unfortunately, it is much easier to seek material gifts from God, than to seek God Himself; As though the gift is better than its Giver2! Although God has nothing against our love for these things; Yet it is more befitting for us to make the love for our Creator the ultimate goal of our life... God gives you everything to love the One who makes them3. What valuable thing would be sought from God, by someone who disregards Him4?! Seek nothing from God other than the gift of giving Himself to you5. Seeking God from God, is by loving God the Giver of grace6. It is not right to love what God gives, if this would be a cause of forgetting Him7. You will never find anything better to seek from God, than Himself8. St. Augustine Father Aphrahat believes that prayer is an inner encounter of the pure heart with the Holy God; A talk of the heart, which would not please God, unless it is pure. Prayer is beautiful, upright, and gives man comfort, when it is pure and devoid of deceit.; A prayer is strong when God’s power works in it. Beloved brother, I wrote to you, that if man is committed to consummate God’s will, and make it the center of his prayer, he would be exalted in his prayer. I exhort you: Be alert all the time, day and night, and never lose heart; …. Do not be slothful in praying,.... Long to it, and never get tired of it; According to the words of the Lord Himself in the Scripture: “Men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18: 1)9. St. Aphrahat Was ‘Job’ in need of this teaching of yours, O Bildad?! 1 Tr. on 1 John 4:6. 2 On Ps. 76:2. 3 Tr. on 1 John 2:11. 4 Sermon 91:3. 5 Sermon 331:4. 6 Sermon 304:3. 7 Confession 4:12:18. 8 On Ps 72:32. 9 Demonstrations 4:16. 7 Wasn’t he, all his life long, a persistent prayer? You tell him: “Earnestly (early in the morning) seek God, and make supplication to the Almighty). He always did that, early in the morning (see Job 1: 5), and all the day,... he used to praise God seven times, day and night; His strive in his temptations prove that he was a man of prayers. You misjudged the great wrestler, O Bildad; ‘Job’ did not fail to behold God, of whom you speak; to criticize the righteous man, and not to glorify God. Father Hesychius of Jerusalem “If you were pure and upright, Surely now, He would rouse Himself for you, and restore you your rightful place” (Job 8: 6). Bildad believes that if ‘Job’ is pure and upright, all those calamities would never dwell upon him; And that if he responded properly to the first temptation, he would have been spared the second one. This is far from the truth; As a righteous man could be tempted more than once, and may even be tempted all his life long, which is counted as nothing, compared to the eternity he is going to enjoy. Bildad pretended to exhort ‘Job’ to repent his evil ways, so that God would restore him what he used to have, and even more; though in his depths, his real intention was to confirm that he is evil and a hypocrite. “Though your beginning was small; Yet your latter days would be very great” (Job 8: 7). But to prove to Bildad that ‘Job’ is pure and upright, God actually made his latter days greater and more glorious than his beginnings. Yet that was only just a down payment of the glory set for him in the eternal life. He died old and full of days (42: 16), to arise and live eternally in the higher Jerusalem. Many martyrs and saints suffered in their latter days; Yet those sufferings were spiritual jewels and pearls, to be recognized in the great day of the Lord, when they would treasure the love they have demonstrated by receiving the sufferings with joy. 4- ACCUSING JOB OF HYPOCRISY: “For inquire of bygone generations, and consider what their ancestors have found” (Job 8: 8). Bildad did not dare to proclaim that what dwelt upon ‘Job’ – according to his own experience – confirms that he is an evil man; but based his judgment on the experience of the bygone generations; not like Eliphaz who based it on his own experience. In a commentary by father Hesychius of Jerusalem on these phrases (8 – 10), he believes that what happened to ‘Job’ is like what happened to ‘Abel’. When ‘Cain’ looked at the corpse of his brother ‘Abel’ lying dead on the ground (Genesis 4), he assumed that it was the fruit of Abel’s evil behavior; that, because he (Cain) is a righteous man, everything would settle down for his benefit, and that he would live, ever after, in peace and comfort,. He did not realize that the blood of his murdered brother was crying out from the ground to reach God in heaven. Like Cain who intended to trample with his feet over his brother Abel, Job’s friends intended to crush his soul under their feet. Looking at him lying on the trash heap, they also counted him as an evil man; Yet, the same way God testified to the righteousness of Abel, and proclaimed that the gates of heaven are open to hear the voice of his blood, He testifies to ‘Job’, and listens to the screams of his heart. It was befitting for Job’s friends themselves, to inquire of bygone generations, to see that the oppression that dwelt upon Abel was not because of his evil, but rather 8 because of his righteousness; And that although his life did not end with temporal earthly blessings, yet the gates of heaven were opened to receive the screams of his blood, shed on the ground. While Eliphaz says that no innocent has ever perished, and no upright was ever cut off (Job 4: 7); Bildad says here that God will put the evil hypocrites into shame, disgrace, and destruction in this world. And while Eliphaz intended to confirm that, if ‘Job’ was upright, nothing would have happened to him; Bildad, on the other hand, openly accuses ‘Job’ of evil and hypocrisy. “For we are but of yesterday, and we know nothing, for our days on earth are but a shadow” (Job 8: 9). Here Bildad asks ‘Job’ not to depend on his own experience, even though he is old; but to inquire of bygone generations; because his whole age is like a single day; his knowledge is limited, and his experience is but a passerby like his life. Bildad’s words, although they were like those uttered by King David in his farewell prayer, saying: “For we are aliens and pilgrims before you as were all our fathers; our days on earth are as a shadow, and without hope” (1 Chronicles 29: 15); Yet his heart and mind were not like those of David. His words, would be prudent, and possibly holy, if his heart was pure, loving, and holy. “Will they not teach you and tell you and utter words out of their understanding?” (Job 8: 10). As the early fathers bear love toward their children and grandchildren; And, together with their experience, they offer us their loving hearts, their words have their great weight and value. Bildad’s words against the hypocrites were amazingly true; Yet they actually refer to his person; Because if he was not pretending to be righteous, he would not dare to teach a good man with such great arrogance... Although his words were amazingly true, yet they were more befitting to be addressed to the fools and the wicked, and not to such a wise and good man like ‘Job’. Whoever pours water into a river, while his own gardens are dry and thirsty, is nothing but a fool. Pope Gregory the Great I have already spoken about the importance of the legacy of the early fathers in my work: (The beginning of the Christian literature of the early fathers), in which I wrote1: [How far are we committed to what came in the legacy of the early fathers? The saintly fathers represent the thoughts of the Catholic Church, delivered by the apostles, through the Holy Spirit, who incessantly works in the life of the church. According to St. Augustine: “They abided to what they found in the church; did what they were taught, and received from the fathers, and delivered it into the hands of the children2” Whoever despises the saintly fathers, should know that he is despising the whole church3! Their authority is based upon two factors: A natural factor: Having had a holy life; been attributed with faithfulness in receiving the talent of living faith from the hands of the apostles; Having had in particular the one thought, despite the differences in cultures, talents, and circumstances; beside the great distances between the .17- 1 للمؤلف: بدء الأدب المسیحي الآبائي، 1995 ، ص 15 2 St. Augustine: Contra Julian, II 9. 3 Ibid 37. 9 apostolic chairs, and the difficulty in communication at that time; They are more qualified to testify to the Church life on all aspects. The second is a divine factor; as the early fathers have lived under the authority of the Holy Spirit, the Leader of the Church, and her Guide to the whole Truth, Who keeps her within the circle of the cross of Christ. That does not imply that the fathers were ‘faultless’ as individuals; But the catholic Church, as a whole, lives kept by The Spirit of the Lord. Upon the legacy of the early fathers, which occupied a prominent position in the life and faith of the Church; St. Athanasius depended in his apology1; As well as St. Basil who depended on several of the church traditions, left by his predecessors. This tendency; namely, resorting to the sayings of the early fathers, increased in the fourth century AD, and grew stronger in the fifth2. St. Cyril of Alexandria, as an example -- in his writings to the Egyptian monks3, defending the title ‘Theotokos’ of St. Mary; to confirm that the child delivered by her is the incarnate Word of God, with no separation of Deity from Humanity – instructed them to follow the lead of the saintly fathers, who faithfully abided to the faith they received from the apostles, and uprightly taught the Christians after them. Again, he confirmed to them that the correct teaching concerning the Holy Trinity was made clear by the saintly fathers4. In his talk about Nestor5, he resorted to the teaching of the holy Church that spread all over the world, and to that of the revered fathers themselves; proclaiming that the Holy Spirit spoke in it. And to support his talk, which he presented to the council of Ephesus about the Lord Christ, he quoted some of the writings of the early fathers6]. “Can papyrus grow up where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish where there is no water?” (Job 8: 11). Accusing ‘Job’ of hypocrisy, Bildad presents a general painful portrait of the hypocrite, yet he means by it, ‘Job’ in particular; likening him: 1- To the papyrus, that grow only in muddy waters, and to the dry reeds with no water (11). 2- To the spider, that thinks itself secure in its web house that does not stand (14-15). 3- To the weeds burned dry by the heat of the sun, which is normally the secret of life and growth of plants (16). 4- To him, who stumbles on the stones on his way, to fall down and perish 5- To the beautiful flourishing tree, uprooted and cut off by the ax. The experience of the early fathers in this concern says that the hypocrites, with their hopes and joy, are like the papyrus and the reeds that grow in marshes among the mud and mire. The hope of the hypocrite does not materialize except in rotten ground and mire; he leans upon deceptive outer appearances of religion and holiness, upon vain words of compliments directed to him, that are no more than mire, and upon hopes that are nothing but papyrus and reeds. If the papyrus refers to the hypocrite, who needs the waters of the Holy Spirit; In this water, the believer is born, a son of God by the Holy Spirit; is fulfilled and 1 Athanasius: Ep. ad Afros 6. 2 Kelly: Early Christian Doctrines, p. 48–49. 3 Ad Monach PG 77:12,13. 4 In Joan. evang. 4 11: PG 74:216. 5 Adv. Nest. 4:2. 6 De recta Fide ad regin; apol. contr. Orient PG 76:1212 For; 316. 10 renewed, to bear the icon of the Lord Christ, and become qualified to gain the fellowship of eternal glory. The papyrus and the reeds refer to the life of the hypocrite, who, though he has the appearance of being green, of practical benefit to man. Hypocrites are separated from the Grantor of blessings, because of the tendencies of the thoughts of their hearts. Although they have got His gifts, yet they seek their own glory, and not the glory of the Giver. And while glorifying and commending themselves for blessings that are given to them, they are opposing the Giver of goods by these same gifts. The hypocrite who strongly criticizes the life of the person who reproves him; longing to prove him wrong; to justify himself; not by his own works, but by showing the faults of the others; is referred to by Solomon, saying: “Do not reprove a scoffer ; lest he hate you” (Proverb 9: 8). Here we need to know that the exaltation of the good, starts with the heart, and grows up to the end of the present life. Whereas the practices of the hypocrites, having no roots, almost always end up to naught before the end of the present life. Even if they dedicate their life to the study of holy things, they do that, not for the sake of setting up a store of virtues, but to get compliments and commendations from others, rejoicing in temporal success. They completely lack the holy culture; They are fond of temporal things, whereas the eternal things, are only on their lips, and not deep in their hearts. Pope Gregory the Great For this goal, the Savior, who needs no baptism, was baptized, to sanctify the water, for those who will be born anew1. St. Clement of Alexandria Baptism is called “The cleansing of renewal’; being accompanied by the renewal of the Spirit, who hovers above the water of baptism. The Holy Spirit creates for Himself a new people, and renews the face of the earth, when through Him, people “put off themselves the old man with his deeds” (Colossians 3; 9), and “walk in the newness of life” (Romans 6; 4). Everyone, counted worthy of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, by knowing His unutterable secrets, will certainly get comfort and rejoice of the heart. For getting, by the guidance of the Spirit, to recognize all what the things that occur, how, and why they occur, his soul would never be disturbed or get to regret. Human nature is weak. And in order to be strong, it needs the help of the Holy Spirit. Namely, he, who seeks the true strength, will surely be strong by the Spirit. People could be stronger in body, and according to the body, But the “soldiers of Christ” (2 Timothy 2: 3), will be strong by the Spirit; and consequently brave in confronting “the carnal mind that cares for things pertaining to the flesh” (Romans 8:7). The Spirit of man wrestling against his body, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, will surely overcome. The scholar Origen 1 Les Eclgae, 7. 11 The Lord was baptized, not to be purified, but to purify the water; which is, once cleansed by His body that knew no sin, it may be used in baptism1. St. Ambrose Christ was baptized; namely, He purified the water by His baptism2. St. Tertullian “While it is yet green and not cut down, it withers before any other plant” (Job 8: 12). The papyrus that looks beautiful with its green leaves, would soon wither and get dry in no time, “before it is cut down” (Psalm 129: 6). “So are the paths of all who forget God; and the hope of the hypocrite shall perish” (Job 8: 13). The secret of hypocrisy is forgetting God who searches the heart, and knows the hidden secrets of the mind. The hope of the hypocrite cannot abide; because, not making eternity his goal, he loses everything he holds in his hand. Because the tendency of his mind is not concentrated on the glory that would never come to an end; while panting and chasing vain commendation, he would lose what he labored hard to get. This is testified by the Truth, who says: “Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward” (Matthew 6: 2). No one who gets connected to mortal things, could remain himself immortal; so would be the hypocrite, whose hope shall perish. Pope Gregory the Great Submitting again to temptation, ‘Job’ praised and blessed God, and never forgot Him. That is why the end of the righteous could not be compared to a plant that withers under heat (12); He is rather like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season (Psalm 1: 3). And keeping the fruits of virtues, he will be the cause for many plants in the world to flourish. Father Hesychius of Jerusalem If it would be a source of joy and glory for men to have children who follow their lead; How much more would be God’s pleasure when a spiritual man confirms and proclaim by his works and praises, the divine exaltation in his life3? St. Cyprian “Whose confidence shall be cut off, and whose trust is a spider’s web” (Job 8: 14). Not leaning on God, anything that a hypocrite may hope for, or that he may even get, become like the fragile web built by a spider. “His foolishness would never fulfill him”. (According to a text in the writings of Pope Gregory the Great). It is an obvious foolishness for man to labor hard, and elaborately practice the heavenly commandments; Then run exhaustively after a moment of commendation; seeking an earthly reward! 1 Expositio Evangleii Secundum Lucan, 2:38. 2 Adv. Judaeos, 8. 3 Treatise 10:15. 12 “Whose trust is a spider’s web”... The words of the hypocrites may last up to the end of their life; Yet, because they do not seek the commendation of their Creator, their works would never be counted good in His sight. Pope Gregory the Great ‘As the hope of the hypocrite shall perish, his house shall be without a tenant and his tent like a spider’s web’ (LXX). Why should you, O Bildad, say such thing to ‘Job’? Do you actually know the end of that wrestler?! Is it your point of view concerning the tenant of his house, and the material out of which his tent is built?! Because you may think that Job’s tent is built out of this earth, you assume that it will perish like a spider’s web. But his dwelling place is actually in heaven, according to the words of Paul: “We know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heaven. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling” (2 Corinthians 5: 1,2). That is why ‘Job’ also groans, and yet you, Bildad, consider his groaning and lamentations as cowardice and blasphemy; While he is ‘supporting his tent’, not with seen objects, but with ones that cannot be seen! And that is why the Holy Book utters the magnificent words: “Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars” (Proverb 9: 1). ‘Job’ took all what came upon him with perseverance; never denying his trust in his relationship with God; On the contrary he encountered the vain attacks of his enemy with courage and a resilient countenance. Father Hesychius of Jerusalem Hypocrisy is hated by both God and man; it brings forth no reward or benefit, for the salvation of the soul; But would rather be the cause of its perdition. If hypocrisy is not sometimes exposed; yet that would only be temporary, and would soon bring forth woe on man; just like when an ugly woman takes off her outer make-up, to reveal her real countenance. Hypocrisy is alien to the attributes of saints; Nothing of what we may do or say, would ever be hidden from the sight of God; and everything will be proclaimed on the day of judgment. Being actually much trouble, with no benefit whatsoever, It is befitting for us as true subjects of God, to be justified, to minister to Him with open and straightforward countenance1. St. Cyril the Great Hypocrisy is alien to the attributes of saints; Nothing of what we may do or say, would ever be hidden from the sight of God; and everything will be proclaimed on the day of judgment. Being actually much trouble, with no benefit whatsoever, It is befitting for us as true subjects of God, to be justified, to minister to Him with open and straightforward countenance2. St. Cyril the Great “He leans on his house, but it does not stand. He holds it fast, but it does not endure” (Job 8: 15). The hypocrite, boasts and leans on his works; Like a spider that thinks itself secure in its fragile web, by which it catches its prey; not aware of how it could be 1 In Luc Ser 86. 2 In Acts, hom., 5. 13 easily swept away. So is a hypocrite, who leans on his superficial appearances of piety; to eventually lose everything. “He leans on his house, but it does not stand; He holds it fast, but it does not endure” (15). The outer building of our outer life; namely, our body; and that of our thoughts; namely, our mind... As anything we love could be to us, as though a dwelling place to give us comfort; That is why, concentrating his heart on the exalted things, Paul, while still on earth, feels as though he is an alien on it; and says: “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3: 20). A hypocrite, on the other hand, in everything he does, he thinks of nothing but his reputation and fame. A void soul, with nothing inside it, despite all its labor, seeks a testimony from outside! But in vain, a hypocrite would leans on that house of commendation; as on the day of judgment, no human testimony will abide; and the commendation he has got, would be his only wage. Pope Gregory the Great A Christian walking on earth with a spirit of responsibility and commitment in everything he is entrusted to do, bear a heavenly touch in his thoughts, as well as in his feelings and emotions, demonstrated in his words and behavior. Our life is a divine school, in which we, in all the aspects of our life, are taught and practice for the heavenly life to come. I wish you would always “seek those things which are above” (Colossians 3: 1); As that would set us free of the earth, and bring us forth to heaven1. St. John Chrysostom We would be worth of being there in the presence of God in heaven; We, who learned the lesson while being on earth, then went up to heaven to enjoy the love of God the Father, whom we got to know on earth; And because God the Holy Word has done everything, taught us, and is teaching us everything, and training us on every good thing2. St. Clement of Alexandria When the will of God is realized through us on earth, as well as in those who are in heaven, we would be like the heavenlies, bearing like them the image of the heavenly man (1 Corinthians 15: 49); and would inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 25: 34). Then, when we go up to heaven (paradise) 3, those who will come after us, while they are on earth, will pray to be like us. The scholar Origen “The wicked thrive before the sun, and their shoots spread over the garden” (Job 8: 16). The incarnate Word of God “the Sun of righteousness” came to shine over those sitting in the darkness, to enjoy the light of righteousness, to become the children of light, and the children of the day. Whereas those who persist on not believing in Him, would dry up by this same Sun, and would become worthy of the eternal fire. That is the work of the Lord Christ, who came to raise mankind from the death of sin, and to bring them forth to the bosom of God the Father; who came to brings us forth from the darkness of the grave to the light of heaven. 1 Baptismal Instructions, 7:14. 2 Paedagogus 3:12. 3 On Prayer 26:1. 14 ‘Before the sun rises, the papyrus looks green’. The Lord, in the Holy Book, is often called ‘The Sun’; As is said by the prophet: “But to you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall rise” (Malachi 4: 2); While the wicked who are driven out on the day of judgment, say in the book of wisdom: “We who strayed from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness did not shine on us” (Wisdom 5: 6). Pope Gregory the Great “His roots wrap around the stoneheap, and live among the rocks” (Job 8: 17). By the Lord Christ, the Cornerstone, we would be set up as living stones built in the house of God, in the heavenly temple; whereas in that Cornerstone, the wicked would trample, to fall and perish. While father Hesychius of Jerusalem uses the Septuagint version; Pope Gregory the Great uses that of the Volgata. ‘He falls on a heap of stones, and lives among rocks’... In the Holy Book, men are often referred to as ‘stones’; As is said by Isaiah to the holy church: “I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of crystal, and all your walls of precious stones” (Isaiah 54: 12). and as Peter expressed by saying: “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2: 5). Pope Gregory the Great “He lies on a heap of stones, and lives among pebbles’. Referring to those about whom Isaiah said: “Prepare the way for the people... take out the stones” (Isaiah 62: 10); And: “Prepare the way, take the stumbling block out of the way of my people” (Isaiah 57: 14; Maccabees 5: 4; Psalm 140: 6). The enemy would bleed to death, and would be seriously wounded, when we clear our ways of the stumbling snares and stones. Father Hesychius of Jerusalem “If he is destroyed from his place, then it will deny him, saying, ‘I have not seen him’” (Job 8: 18). Here, he presents another analogy for the hypocrite; That he is like a flourishing green tree, that keeps its freshness despite the heat of the sun; its roots hold fast in the rocky soil, and not disturbed by the wind. Yet, if that tree is struck by the ax, it would be completely cut off; leaving no sign that it ever existed in the place it was planted. The hypocrite is like that tree, at which everyone desires to look; but once hypocrisy, like an ax, strikes its roots, it would lose its vitality, fruits, and beauty. It would become like the foolish virgins who, having all the appearances of the wise virgins, accept that they had no oil in their lamps; They remained in darkness, not able to enter into the secret place of the heavenly Groom, where there is no place for the darkness. “His place would deny him” The hypocrite would be destroyed from his place by death; after being denied by God – the Truth –who justly judges his life of pretence; does not recognize even the good deed he might have done, that he did not practice with a sound goal in thought. On the day of judgment, he will hear, together with the foolish virgins, the voice of God saying: “Assuredly, I say to you, ‘I do not know you’” (Matthew 25: 12). As God sees the corruption of his thoughts, He will condemn even the non-corruption in the body. 15 Pope Gregory the Great “If he is (swallowed), he would be denied by his place”. By being swallowed, is meant what Isaiah said: “He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25: 8). “He would be denied by his place”, What place is that? It may be death, which is the place for a traitor. “He will wipe away tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25: 8). By the cross, the death, and the resurrection of the Lord Christ, Adam was made glorious; whereas the curse was swallowed up by Him, to whom everything existing belongs. Father Hesychius of Jerusalem “Behold, this is the joy of His way, and out of the earth others will grow” (Job 8: 19). That is the destiny of the wicked hypocrite; If he thinks that his hope would turn into joy, he will be uprooted like a tree, and replaced by another in the same place. 5- A CALL TO BLAMELESSNESS: After presenting an awful portrait of the hypocrite – meaning ‘Job’ – ‘Bildad’ presents another joyful portrait of a blameless man; asking ‘Job’ to forsake his hypocrisy to walk along the way to blamelessness. Describing how a blamelessness man enjoys God’s pleasure with his person, his sacrifices, and his offerings; how God would fill his mouth and lips with joyful shouts; and how he would enjoy the conquest over his enemies, whom the Lord would cause to grieve; He probably had in mind, himself, together with his two friends: Eliphaz and Zophar. As though, he calls on ‘Job’ to forsake his hidden evil, and follow the role model of his three friends, considered by him as blameless. Bildad believes that Job’s tent exists no more; whereas they still have theirs, held strong by God. Father Hesychius of Jerusalem believes that what Bildad mentions concerning those blameless in the Lord, actually applies to ‘Job’. While accusing him of being evil, and calling on him to try to become blameless, he is actually, commending him. “Behold, God will not cast away the blameless, Nor will He uphold the evildoers” (Job 8: 20). At the end of his talk, Bildad putting his theological thought in a nutshell; says that God will not cast away the blameless, but will respond to him, even if He seems to do otherwise. He will turn his mourning into joy and dancing; and will fill his inner mouth with spiritual laughs. Then, those who have previously rebuked him, when they see him get back to his past prosperity and joy, and crowned with glory, will be put to shame and clothed in disgrace. On the other hand, God will not uphold the evildoers, but will destroy their tents. Here, he is probably hinting to the fact that ‘Job’, being evil, when he cried out to God, He did not listen to him, and utterly destroyed his tent and his household. That was Bildad’s verdict on ‘Job’, whom he advises to forsake his evil, and to repent; and whom he accuses of hypocrisy; when he has no knowledge of what is in his heart and mind; nor of the conversation that took place between God and Satan in heaven. Anyway, ‘Job’ was neither a wicked man, nor an evil soldier of God. On the contrary, one can apply on him all what Bildad added, unaware that his accusations have actually turned to his defense. Father Hesychius of Jerusalem 16 When the Lord appears on the day of judgment, He will certainly uphold and glorify the pure in heart; and will bring down to naught the boasting and haughtiness of those with evil thoughts, and will judge them.... He will not grant the exalted joys, to those who seek the earthly glory; even if they have done good things, whatever they are. Pope Gregory the Great “He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing” (Job 8: 21). Bildad calls on ‘Job’ to forsake evil, and to walk along the way of blamelessness, to enjoy the spiritual laughing, and the rejoicing in the Lord, which are only enjoyed by the true believer, who carries within him the Lord Jesus, who brings joy to the hearts. Christianity is a call to enjoy the joy of heaven. Our Christ came down incarnate to bring us over to His heavens, as a bride rejoicing in her Groom. That is why the apostle Paul, while in prison, calls us, saying: “Rejoice always; I say to you brethren, Rejoice”. St. Anthony believes that joy is the food of the soul, without which it would starve and die. The heavenly inner joy supports the soul during her sojourn on earth, away from her heavenly home; and prepares the body to bear an almost spiritual feature, to become a spiritual body in the great day of the Lord. Like a tree without water, cannot grow, the soul with no heavenly joy, cannot grow nor ascend up high; Whereas, to the souls that received the Spirit and the heavenly joy, while still in the body, the secrets of the kingdom of heaven are revealed, and will find favor with God, who grants her everything she seeks. The soul always thrives by this joy; with it, it becomes happy; and by it, it ascends to heaven. Like the body, it has its spiritual food. St. Anthony the Great Whoever looks deep within himself to behold the Lord, and his soul is saturated by His light, his heart will be filled with joy. The spiritual elder It is not befitting for man to laugh all the time, and be like a laughing animal... “A fool raises his voice when he laughs” (Sirach 21: 23); whereas the prudent discreetly smiles. On the other hand, it is befitting for man not to look grumpy, but just serious. I would rather prefer for someone with natural hard features, to smile1. St. Clement of Alexandria The true joy is that of the other life, where the soul is not tortured, or torn apart by lust2. St. John Chrysostom Saying: “the kingdom of God is within you”, refers to the joy planted by the Holy Spirit in your hearts, being an icon, and an advance payment of the eternal joy, enjoyed by the souls of the saints3. St. Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa 1 Paedgogus 2:5. 2 In 1 Tim. hom (ترجمة سعاد سو﷼ المحامیة) . 2 3 De Prop. Sec. Deum. 17 The mouths of the faithful are filled with laughs, and their lips with rejoicing. Now, O Bildad, Beware, and weigh your words... ‘Job’s mouth, being a faithful man, is going to be truly “filled” with laughs and rejoicing, in the coming age, where grace awaits him. There, he will also enjoy having his lips filled with the work of grace; namely, filled with thanks to God. Father Hesychius of Jerusalem “He will yet fill your mouth with laughing” (21). That is why, one of the fathers Patriarchs, was probably called ‘Isaac’, meaning (laughter), as the name indicates the divine rejoicing1. The scholar Origen “He will yet fill your moth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing” (21). The mouths of the righteous will be filled with laughing, and their hearts will be filled with eternal joy, when the tears of their journey are consummated. The Lord says to His disciples: “Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice, and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (John 16: 20). And again: “You will have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you” (John 16: 22). Concerning this rejoicing for the holy church, Solomon says: “she shall rejoice in time to come” (Proverb 31: 25). It is also said that it will be well with him, who fears God, until the end, when there will be no laughing of the body, but that of the heart. Pope Gregory the Great “Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the dwelling place of the wicked will come to nothing” (Job 8: 22). “Those who hate you will be clothed with shame”; both the seen and the unseen… Isabel was clothed with shame when she saw Elijah, whom she violently persecuted, taking his place among the saints (1 Kings 19: 2). So did the opponents of ‘Job’, when they saw him rejoicing among the angels. Father Hesychius of Jerusalem Seeing their past evil doings parading before the eyes of their minds, they will be clothed with shame; they will go down under the heavy burden of the memory of their wickedness, while they are punished. Pope Gregory the Great 1 Fragments, 110 on Luke 6: 21. 18 AN INSPIRATION FROM THE BOOK OF JOB 8 LET ME ACQUIRE YOU, O WISDOM OF GOD Your love made you descend to us, O Wisdom of God. You are my light, my treasure, the secret of my joy, and of my peace. You approached me, and longed to dwell within me Enter and dwell in me, that I acquire you forever. Without You, Who would control my tongue? I can control even the wild beasts; But , Who can control my tongue , but You? With Your riches, You satisfy my depths, that I feel no void. By You, I am satisfied; that I would never hunger for vain talk. Fill me with the advance payment of Your glory; that I would judge no one. When I acquire You, I Acquire the divine love. I would rather keep silent, to talk to You, than to talk to any human. Let me acquire You, O Crucified. Let me behave like a member in the Church, Your suffering bride. Let me find my pleasure, riches, and joy, in being crucified together with You. No false philosophies will ever seduce me. Nor the devil will ever make me deny the Church – Your bride. I would never seek a temporal comfort, or a temporary happiness, at the expense of the eternal glory. Your suffering Church will keep bearing the spirit of victory. As long as You are in its midst, She would never be shaken. Let me acquire You, to introduce You to every wounded sinner. To introduce You with the language of love and compassion, and not with that of bitter criticism. The way You covered over me, Let me cover over my brethren. The way You brought me up from hell to paradise, Grant me to embrace with love, those fallen together with me. How amazing is Your salvation; and Your wisdom! Make me by You, amazingly wise in my love for my brethren. Teach me, O divine Wisdom, how to pray to You. Flare my heart with your love, to seek, together with all mankind, nothing but to acquire you. What should I wish, more than to have You dwell in me, and to unite with You? What would be a greater reward for me, than to enjoy You. Grant me your wisdom, to acquire You, and to acquire everything by having you dwell in me. When will You come, O divine Wisdom? For me to enjoy a glorious end; To enjoy the fellowship of heavenly glories. When Will You carry me over, to settle down forever in Your Father’s bosom? To turn my labors into heavenly comfort; my sufferings into perpetual sweetness; And my daily mortality into the joy of resurrection? Grant me, O Lord, to shine with Your Light on me. To get to know Your exalted secrets. 19 To experience them by the riches of Your grace. To taste them in my life, beside through the experience of my fathers. Let Your wisdom work in me, as it did in my fathers. Let me not abide just to the words, and not to the life, of my fathers. Grant me a holy heart, to be worthy of receiving the holy talent. And to deliver it, not in letters and formalities. But with the spirit of truth and holiness. Quench my thirst by the water of Your Holy Spirit. To become like an olive tree planted in your house. Toward which no enemy can approach. Nor temptations can make it lose its vitality and growth. Fulfill me with Your perpetual memory; that Your name would never leave my lips. Nor Your image be uprooted from my heart. When I perpetually remember You, I would be filled with hope. When I hide in You, I would find security and peace. Instead of the spider-web -house that I made for myself. Let me settle down in your bosom, O the stronghold of my life. By You, O Wisdom of God, all hypocrisy in me would be taken away. I would not be like the papyrus that grows in muddy waters. But like a tree planted on the river banks of Your Holy Spirit. I would not be like a spider protected by a fragile house. But dwell in You, O the source of every security. I would not be like weeds burnt by the heat of the sun. But enjoy Your light shining on my depths. I would not stumble by the stones on the way. But would become a living stone in the heavenly temple. I would not be like a tree full of leaves, whose root is struck by an ax. But become an olive tree planted in Your holy house. By you, my soul would rejoice. By You, I enjoy the advance payment of the joy of heaven. By You, I become the wise holy bride.
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