Did Iyov afflict others?
Rashi: He rebuked and chastised those who increased words.
Devar Eliyahu (4) #1: He chastised one who transgressed straightness.
Devar Eliyahu (4) #2: He chastised "Rabim" - those who engage in Torah [when they slackened]. "U'Vatim Rabim Gedolim v'Tovim" refers to Torah, good deeds and Midos.
What was the essence of his response?
Malbim: Also now that you opened your mouth to deny Hashgachah and fundamentals of Emunah, this will chastise others, even those who faltered in Emunah. They see that you did not stand in a test, they will say that your Avodah was not l'Shem Shamayim, rather, from love of reward or fear of punishment. This will show that the Din against you was justified 1 ! Had you been silent and accepted the afflictions, people would say that a Tzadik like you was afflicted for no reason, and they would deny Hashgachah.
Malbim (2): Iyov said that his suffering refutes Hashgachah. We see that a Tzadik receives what is proper for Resha'im! Elifaz answered that sometimes this is for the Tzadik's benefit. He said so from reasoning, and did not rely on this. His primary answer was based on Nevu'ah - Tzadik v'Ra Lo is due to a sin. There are no afflictions without sin (Shabbos 55a). Even if one did not find sin, if one considers Hashem's grandeur and His many benefits to man, he is obligated Avodah without limit. No one can say that he served enough. Afflictions benefit him, to heal his Nefesh before his measure [of sin] is filled and he will deserve a big punishment - losing immortality of his Nefesh, or premature death. A Tzadik can be afflicted, but not lost.
Malbim (2): Elifaz held like Da'as Torah, that man has choice, and the Ma'arachah does not determine what depends on choice. Man helps or harms himself via choice. People kill themselves via anger and lust. They think that Hishtadlus is primary, and brings success. One who succeeds without Hishtadlus, this is false; it will not last. Iyov attributed his fear to the Ma'arachah's decree. He erred - it was due to his sin. Sometimes Hishtadlus brings the opposite of what one intended, e.g. Yosef's brothers sold him to be a slave, lest he become king. Sometimes Hashem sends a small evil to save from a big evil, e.g. one was ill and could not go on a boat, and the boat sank.
What are "Yadayim Rafos"?
Rashi: Those who feared punishments that came upon them. You strengthened them, and said do not fear - it is Midas ha'Din.
Devar Eliyahu (4) #1: They slackened from Torah 1 . The hands engage in Torah and do Mitzvos. "Techezak" is strengthening in the heart, via rebuke, to engage in Torah constantly.
Devar Eliyahu (4) #2: They are people of good deeds, but they slackened.
Malbim (4): People who slackened in Emunah.
Surely this is like the opinion that Iyov was Jewish. (PF)
