The All Encompassing and Infinite Divine Wisdom: From “The Guide for the Perplexed” by Maimonides (vegetarian), Part 2 of 2

“The strange and wonderful Book of Job treats of the same subject as we are discussing; conceived for the purpose of explaining the different opinions which people hold on Divine Providence. That which is related of him is an experience of frequent occurrence, is a source of perplexity to all thinkers, and has suggested opinions on God’s Omniscience and Providence. This perplexity is caused by the account that a simple and perfect person, who is upright in his actions, and very anxious to abstain from sin, is afflicted by successive misfortunes, namely, by loss of property, by the death of his children, and by bodily disease, though he has not committed any sin.” “If he were wise, he would not have any doubt about the cause of his suffering.”

“Another idea, which is specific to Elihu, is contained in his metaphor of the angel’s intercession. It is a frequent occurrence, he says, that a person becomes ill, approaches the gates of death, and is already given up by their neighbors. If then an angel, of any kind whatever, intercedes on their behalf and prays for them, the intercession and prayers are accepted; the patient rises from their illness, is saved, and returns to good health.”

“We must content ourselves with this, and believe that nothing is hidden from God, as Elihu says: ‘For His eyes are upon the ways of humans, and He sees all their goings. There is no darkness nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.’”

“In the same manner, as there is a difference between works of nature and productions of human handicraft, so there is a difference between God’s rule, providence, and intention, in reference to all natural forces, and our rule, providence, and intention, in reference to things which are the objects of our rule, providence, and intention. This lesson is the principal object of the whole Book of Job; it lays down this principle of faith, and recommends us to derive a proof from nature, that we should not fall into the error of imagining His knowledge to be similar to ours, or His intention, providence, and rule similar to ours. When we know this, we shall find everything that may befall us easy to bear and our fate will increase our love of God.”