Introduction to Job
The Book of Job is one of the most profound pieces of wisdom literature in Scripture, wrestling with the age-old question: Why do the righteous suffer? Set in the land of Uz, this poetic masterpiece explores the nature of God, human suffering, divine justice, and the limits of human wisdom.
Unlike other biblical books, Job presents an extended philosophical dialogue where simple answers are questioned and ultimately found wanting. The book's genius lies not in providing easy solutions but in leading us to a direct encounter with God Himself.
The Heavenly Council
The heavenly council, Satan's challenge, and Job's catastrophic losses. Written in prose.
Job's Curse
Job curses the day of his birth and wishes for death—the opening of the poetic dialogue.
Three Cycles of Debate
Exchanges between Job and his three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.
The Young Prophet
A young man offers a fourth perspective, serving as a bridge to God's answer.
God's Answer
Jehovah speaks from the whirlwind, revealing His wisdom through creation's wonders.
Restoration
Job's repentance, the friends' rebuke, and Job's restoration—doubled blessings.
The Characters
Job
The Protagonist — A Righteous Sufferer
A man from Uz, described as "perfect and upright, fearing God and turning away from evil" (Job 1:1). The wealthiest man of the East, blessed with seven sons and three daughters.
Maintains his innocence while demanding an audience with God. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).
Eliphaz the Temanite
The First Friend — Appeals to Experience
The eldest and most moderate of the three friends. Speaks from personal visions and religious experience.
"Remember, who being innocent has perished?" (Job 4:7) Suffering must indicate hidden sin.
Bildad the Shuhite
The Second Friend — Appeals to Tradition
A traditionalist who draws on the wisdom of the fathers. More harsh than Eliphaz.
"Does God pervert judgment?" (Job 8:3) If Job's children died, they must have sinned.
Zophar the Naamathite
The Third Friend — Appeals to Logic
The youngest and most dogmatic. Offers rigid theological orthodoxy without compassion.
"God forgets some of your iniquity" (Job 11:6). Job deserves worse than he's getting!
Elihu the Buzite
The Young Interrupter — Appeals to Revelation
A young man who waited respectfully but grew angry at both Job and his friends. Introduces new perspectives.
Suffering can be disciplinary and redemptive, not merely punitive. God speaks through pain (Job 33:14-30).
Jehovah (YHWH)
The LORD — Creator and Judge
Speaks from the whirlwind, never directly answering Job's questions but revealing Himself through creation's grandeur.
"Where were you when I founded the earth?" (Job 38:4) The Creator's wisdom surpasses human understanding.
The Prologue: Behind the Veil
"Does Job fear God for nothing?"— Satan's Challenge (Job 1:9)
This question drives the entire book: Is genuine, disinterested faith possible? Do we love God for Himself or for His gifts?
"I came naked out of my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. Jehovah gave, and Jehovah has taken away. Blessed be the name of Jehovah."— Job 1:21 (KJ3)
Job's response after losing everything. In all this Job did not sin and did not ascribe unseemliness to God.
The Dialogue Cycles
🔄 First Cycle
🔄 Second Cycle
"For I know my Redeemer is living, and He shall rise on the dust at the last; and after my skin has been struck off from my flesh, yet this, I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and no stranger."— Job 19:25-27 (KJ3)
In the depths of despair, Job expresses astounding faith in a living Redeemer and bodily resurrection!
🔄 Third Cycle — Incomplete
The third cycle breaks down—the friends have run out of arguments!
🔥 Elihu's Speeches
Elihu introduces the concept of suffering as discipline rather than merely punishment, preparing the way for God's appearance.
God Speaks from the Whirlwind
"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now gird up your loins like a man, for I will question you; and you make Me know."— Job 38:2-3 (KJ3)
"Behold, I am vile! What shall I answer You? I will put my hand to my mouth."— Job's First Response (Job 40:4)
"I have heard of You by hearing of the ear, but now my eye has seen You; Therefore, I despise myself, and I have repented on dust and ashes."— Job 42:5-6 (KJ3)
Job's journey: from theological knowledge about God to direct encounter with God. This is the ultimate answer—not information but Presence.
📊 Job's Restoration — Doubled Blessings
| Blessing | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Sheep | 7,000 | 14,000 |
| Camels | 3,000 | 6,000 |
| Oxen | 500 yoke | 1,000 yoke |
| Donkeys | 500 | 1,000 |
| Children | 7 sons, 3 daughters | 7 sons, 3 daughters* |
| Years of Life | — | 140 more years |
*Children not doubled because the first ten await in eternity—Job has 20 children total!
"And Job died, being old and full of days."— Job 42:17 (KJ3)
Theodicy: The Problem of Suffering
Theodicy (from Greek theos "God" + dikē "justice") is the attempt to defend God's goodness and power in the face of evil and suffering. The Book of Job is the Bible's most sustained engagement with this problem.
🎯 What the Book Teaches
❓ Mystery Over Answers
God never explains Job's suffering. The heavenly council scene is for readers—Job dies never knowing about Satan's challenge. Some suffering remains unexplained.
👁️ Presence Over Information
Job wanted a legal hearing; he received a theophany. The encounter with God Himself satisfies in ways that information cannot.
🌍 Limited Perspective
God's questions reveal how little humans understand about creation. If we can't comprehend the natural world, how can we judge God's moral governance?
💎 Disinterested Faith
Satan asked, "Does Job fear God for nothing?" The answer is yes—genuine love for God exists apart from rewards. This vindicates both Job and God.
⚠️ Bad Theology Hurts
God rebukes the friends for not speaking rightly (Job 42:7). Misapplying truth to suffering people causes harm, not healing.
✝️ Pointing to Christ
Job's cry for a mediator (Job 9:33), his confidence in a living Redeemer, and his innocent suffering foreshadow Christ.
✝️ Job & Christ: Types and Shadows
| Job | Jesus Christ |
|---|---|
| Declared "perfect and upright" Job 1:1, 8 | The sinless Son of God 2 Cor. 5:21 |
| Suffered despite innocence Job 1-2 | Innocent suffering for others 1 Peter 2:22-24 |
| "I know my Redeemer lives" Job 19:25 | The Living Redeemer 1 Tim. 2:5-6 |
| Interceded for his accusers Job 42:8-10 | Intercedes for His enemies Luke 23:34 |
| Restored with double blessing Job 42:10-17 | Resurrected and exalted Phil. 2:9-11 |
Test Your Knowledge
What was Job's homeland called?