The Book of Jobsurvey of the Bible

General Overview

Job is unique among the other OT books in that it is not Jewish-centric no mention of Abraham, the Law of Moses,

the temple, Jewish history, prophecies likely during Patriarchal period – father

interceded for his family (1:5)(Heb. 1:1-2)

instead, deals with universal human condition why do we suffer? does God care?

General Overview

summary of chapters God, Satan, and Job (ch. 1-2) Job’s discussion with his three friends

(ch. 3-31) the speech of Elihu (ch. 32-37) the address of God (ch. 38-41) Job’s restoration (ch. 42)

Themes of Job

causes of suffering punishment from God for sin? (4:7-8; 5:17)▪ not necessarily (Heb. 12:5-6, but Lk. 13:1-5)

natural consequences, mortality, chance, Satan▪ (Eph. 6:1-3)(Heb. 9:27)(Eccl. 9:11)(Job 1:6-12)

regardless, always cause to repent, grow (Lk. 13:5)

reaction to suffering (6:8-10; 10:1-3; 19:23-27) was despondent, yet approved (42:1-9)(1:20-22)▪ see also (Rom. 8:23-28)

Themes of Job

patience, trust in God’s goodness and wisdom the Lord is compassionate and merciful,

and will reward the faithful (James 5:11; 1:12)(42:10-17)▪ (Heb. 11:6)(Lk. 11:11-13)

sometimes the path to His intended end is known by God alone, and we are left to trust▪ (Ezek. 14:19-23)(Rom. 9:20-24)(2 Tim. 1:12)

Conclusion

Job gives us a remarkable insight into God’s relationship with man and the spiritual reality of our sin and suffering while we cannot know for sure the source of

trials and temptations, we can know that regardless, God wishes for our good, and Satan our harm

2 Pet. 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.