Welcome to NachDaily with Iyov, Perek 24. We continue in Iyov’s 3rd response to Elifaz about the success of the wicked.

Iyov opens the perek by refuting the concept of Divine providence.

Verse 1 says, “Maduah m’Shaddai lo nitzp’nu itim v’yad’av lo chazu yamov – Why shouldn’t temporal matters be hidden from the Almighty? After all, those who know Him detect no passage of time for Him.”

The Ralbag explains Iyov’s argument as that since God is above time, why should He care or even be aware of events that take place within it?

The Ramban maintains that Iyov was asking how it can be said that God intervenes with the world. Even those who know Him, and keep the Mitzvos, can’t report on the reward they allegedly attain in the World to Come.

In verses 2 through 13, Iyov describes the evil deeds of the wicked. The list includes: stealing, murder, harming the innocent and mistreating orphans, widows, poor, and anyone who is unfortunate.

The Malbim says that Iyov claimed that reshaim are destructive to the civilized world and humanity in general. Certainly it would make sense for God to intervene by destroying them, but as this is not the case, it’s obvious that He doesn’t intervene with the world.

In verses 13 through 17, Iyov explains that people who commit crimes primarily operate at night when the time is opportune for mischief, specifically the sin of adultery.

Rebbe Nachman explains that the word laila, meaning night, has the same letters as yelala wailing and screaming. It’s precisely at night when the sheid, evil spirit, Lilit, in charge of inciting immoral acts, calls out to prompt people to do aveiros.

In verses 18 through 24, Iyov continues to explain how the wicked prosper. He denies the concepts of reward and punishment, contending that nothing happens to them after they die.

Verse 24 says, “The wicked rise up a little and then are gone. They are laid low. Like everyone else they disappear, and like the head of a sheaf they are cut off.”

The Ramban explains Iyov’s claim that although reshaim enjoyed their prosperity while they were alive, they die like everyone else.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily for Bildad’s response.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.