02_Biblica_1_B_Pinker_Layout 1 30/01/13 13:15 Pagina 518 02_B 518 ARON PINKER Eliphaz alludes in 4,17 to the more fundamental thesis, which can be formulated thus: If there are imperfections in God’s creation, then there must be imperfections in a mortal’s deeds. This appears to be Eliphaz’s main thesis and failing. The qal wahomer in 4,18- 19 is an illustration of Eliphaz’s thesis and 4,20-21 of his doctrinal failing. If God finds faults with inanimate natural phenomena, then there must be faults also with human beings. Eliphaz goes, how- ever, a step further. He reasons: If there are faults with human be- ings, then it makes sense that their lot is misery (4,20-21) 73. In his view, Job “was a sinner as all men are sinners. Sin is inherent in mankind. Sin and therefore suffering are racial concomitants” 74. Thus, what Job considers an imperfection Eliphaz views as a proper state of being. Eliphaz failed because of a loss of sense of propor- tion. Andersen aptly notes “Eliphaz is following a path of truth that will lead him into a great error” 75. Nowhere in the Tanach is distrust and misbehavior associated with heavenly beings or angels 76. There is no reason for the author of the Book of Job to break with this tradition and introduce a no- tion undermining the theological foundation of the Tanach. The va- lidity of the qal wahomer in 4,18-19 is maintained when the terms wydb( and wyk)lm are understood as referring to the set motions of the sun, moon, and stars as well as to the sporadic meteorological events, respectively. This understanding of the terms wydb( and wyk)lm allows also for a reasonable resolution of the seeming contradiction between the doctrine of retribution and the doctrine of universal sinfulness. In 4,18 God’s displeasure can only relate to the “manner” in which these inanimate bodies and phenomena execute their prescribed task. The qal wahomer in 4,18-19 implies that Eliphaz refers in 4,19 to God’s possible displeasure with the “manner” in which righteous “acts” are executed by humans. It is possible to be a righteous person by per- forming only righteous acts. However, it is also possible simultane- ously to be deficient in the “manner” of performing the righteous R. GORDIS, The Book of Job (New York 1978) 518-519, n. 6. Eliphaz 73 suggests that all people are imperfect sinful creatures, and no one can be just before God; therefore everyone can expect to suffer. FULLERTON, “Entendre”, 330. 74 ANDERSEN, Job, 114. 75 The obscure Gen 6,4 does not necessarily refer to heavenly beings. 76 © Gregorian Biblical Press 2012 - Tutti i diritti riservati