No matter how mighty a person may seem, choosing arrogance against God only leads to downfall.
Eliphaz the Temanite, speaking in the ancient land of Edom around the time many scholars place the story of Job (circa 2100-1900 BC), continues his discourse about the fate of the wicked when he says, “For he has stretched out his hand against God And conducts himself arrogantly against the Almighty.” (v.25) Teman was located in the region of Edom, south of the Dead Sea, an area known for its rugged terrain. Eliphaz’s statement characterizes a person who actively defies God’s authority and pridefully opposes the Almighty’s righteous ways. In his view, human arrogance will inevitably lead to condemnation, because attempting to challenge or surpass God’s sovereignty is futile (Psalm 2:1-4).
When Eliphaz observes that “he has stretched out his hand against God” (v.25) he is using a vivid picture of rebellion, implying that this individual not only resists God’s commands but also symbolically lifts a hand against Him. Such imagery underscores the gravity of prideful resistance, reminding us that God searches the heart and recognizes motives (1 Samuel 16:7). By adding that the person “conducts himself arrogantly against the Almighty” (v.25), Eliphaz further highlights how pride blinds individuals to their own limitations. This mindset resonates with countless examples in Scripture of those who exalt themselves only to be brought low (Proverbs 16:18).
In the larger narrative of Job, Eliphaz and the other friends repeatedly insist that Job must have sinned grievously for such suffering to befall him. Although the context of the verse applies to the proud and unrepentant, it also foreshadows a broader principle seen in the New Testament: Jesus Himself taught that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves—including those righteously suffering—will be exalted (Matthew 23:12). Eliphaz’s portrayal of arrogant behavior against God serves as a cautionary example for all who presume to act in pride, indicating that true wisdom involves recognizing our dependence on the Almighty rather than resisting His authority.
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Job 15:25 meaning
Eliphaz the Temanite, speaking in the ancient land of Edom around the time many scholars place the story of Job (circa 2100-1900 BC), continues his discourse about the fate of the wicked when he says, “For he has stretched out his hand against God And conducts himself arrogantly against the Almighty.” (v.25) Teman was located in the region of Edom, south of the Dead Sea, an area known for its rugged terrain. Eliphaz’s statement characterizes a person who actively defies God’s authority and pridefully opposes the Almighty’s righteous ways. In his view, human arrogance will inevitably lead to condemnation, because attempting to challenge or surpass God’s sovereignty is futile (Psalm 2:1-4).
When Eliphaz observes that “he has stretched out his hand against God” (v.25) he is using a vivid picture of rebellion, implying that this individual not only resists God’s commands but also symbolically lifts a hand against Him. Such imagery underscores the gravity of prideful resistance, reminding us that God searches the heart and recognizes motives (1 Samuel 16:7). By adding that the person “conducts himself arrogantly against the Almighty” (v.25), Eliphaz further highlights how pride blinds individuals to their own limitations. This mindset resonates with countless examples in Scripture of those who exalt themselves only to be brought low (Proverbs 16:18).
In the larger narrative of Job, Eliphaz and the other friends repeatedly insist that Job must have sinned grievously for such suffering to befall him. Although the context of the verse applies to the proud and unrepentant, it also foreshadows a broader principle seen in the New Testament: Jesus Himself taught that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves—including those righteously suffering—will be exalted (Matthew 23:12). Eliphaz’s portrayal of arrogant behavior against God serves as a cautionary example for all who presume to act in pride, indicating that true wisdom involves recognizing our dependence on the Almighty rather than resisting His authority.