The Book of Job Expository Commentary on the Book of Job Lesson – 14.
*Just for your thoughts.*
The Book of Job
Expository Commentary on the Book of Job
Lesson – 14.
Are Our Assessments of Job One-Sided?
In general, our perception of Job is that he was a man who, because God permitted Satan to test him, struggled to defend his integrity, sought deliverance, wrestled with God, debated with his friends, and poured out his lament. While this is certainly true, it is not the complete picture of Job.
Few people in the Old Testament possessed such a profound understanding of theological truths as Job.
1. A Man with a Profound Understanding of Theology
Although there was no formal theological education in his day, Job was one of the first men to grasp the truth about God with remarkable clarity.
This is why God did not approve the theological arguments of Job's friends, who only deepened his wounds instead of bringing comfort (Job 42:7).
Job was an outstanding theologian, especially in his understanding of Theology Proper—the doctrine of God.
Among the Old Testament saints, Job stands out as one who spoke profoundly about God's greatness, absolute sovereignty, supreme authority, and infinite wisdom. He consistently affirms that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and sovereign.
At the same time, Job humbly acknowledges that God's ways cannot always be fully understood by the human mind (Job 38–42).
2. A Profound Observer of Creation
Job reflects with remarkable insight and poetic beauty on the mountains, the seas, rain, clouds, thunder, lightning, stars, animals, and birds. His observations reveal both wonder and wisdom.
3. His View of Creation
Job firmly declares that the universe did not come into existence by chance but was created through the infinite wisdom and power of God.
4. His Understanding of Humanity (Anthropology)
Job presents a profound biblical view of mankind.
Human life is brief.
Humanity is frail.
Human beings possess a sinful nature.
No one can justify himself before God.
5. His Theology of Suffering
One of Job's greatest contributions is his understanding of suffering.
Not all suffering is the result of personal sin.
Even the righteous may suffer.
The purpose of suffering is not always immediately understood by human beings.
6. His Hope in the Redeemer
Job boldly declares,
"I know that my Redeemer lives" (Job 19:25–27).
This is one of the greatest confessions of faith concerning the Redeemer found in the Old Testament.
7. His Hope of Resurrection
Job expresses the hope of seeing God even after death. His words reveal a remarkable anticipation of resurrection and eternal life.
8. His View of Wisdom
Job declares,
"The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom" (Job 28:28).
He teaches that true wisdom begins with reverence for God.
9. A Model of Faith
Although Job lost everything, he never abandoned God. He questioned God honestly, yet he never denied Him.
10. A Man of Prayer
Job prayed even for the friends who had wounded him with their words. God accepted Job's prayer and restored his friends (Job 42:8–10).
In Summary
Job was:
A Theologian
An Observer of Creation
A Wise Man
A Poet
A Philosopher
A Hero of Faith
A Theologian of Suffering
A Witness to the Living Redeemer
Because all these qualities are united in one person, the Book of Job is rightly regarded as one of the deepest theological books in the Old Testament.
The more one studies this book, the more hidden treasures of truth continue to emerge.
K. Vijay Kumar, the distinguished Indian police officer who led the operation that captured the notorious sandalwood smuggler Veerappan, is not a believer in Jesus Christ. Yet he has reportedly expressed great admiration for the Book of Job and has spoken of reading it with deep appreciation. This itself reflects the extraordinary literary, philosophical, and intellectual depth of the book.
Furthermore, several passages in the Book of Job concerning creation and the natural world have often been discussed in relation to scientific observations and discoveries. This too highlights the remarkable richness of this inspired book.
Therefore, if we study the Book of Job carefully with the help of sound biblical commentaries, there is no doubt that our spiritual eyes will be enlightened.
A Final Thought
Our theological convictions should heal wounded hearts and build up people—not deepen their pain.
Otherwise, as Job says, we become "worthless physicians" (Job 13:4).
Our theology must be marked not only by sympathy but also by empathy—the ability to enter into another person's suffering with compassion.
Only then will our theology become living theology rather than mere religious argument.