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The Book of Job – Bible Study 20

"I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

God's plan of redemption was first announced in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3:15, God declared prophetically that the Redeemer of the world would come as the Seed of the woman and crush the head of Satan.

However, if the Book of Job is considered to be the earliest written book of the Bible, then Job becomes the first person in Scripture to express faith in the coming Redeemer who would ultimately be revealed as Jesus Christ. This is truly an astonishing truth.

In a single day, Job lost his sheep, oxen, camels, servants, and finally all of his children. Soon afterward, his own body was afflicted with severe suffering from head to foot. In the midst of such unimaginable pain, Job longed for someone who could stand between himself and God—a mediator who could plead his case before the Almighty.

Finally, Job expressed his unwavering confidence that even after death he would meet his Redeemer.

«"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God."
(Job 19:25–26)»

These words reveal the highest expression of Job's faith.

Even if nothing he had lost in this world was ever restored, Job believed that there was life beyond death. He looked forward to seeing the Redeemer who would be revealed in the last days, with a restored body. Such was the depth of his faith.

This is undoubtedly one of the greatest passages in the entire Book of Job. At a time when the Scriptures had not yet been fully written and without having seen God face to face, Job proclaimed an extraordinary hope.

Every statement in Job's confession deserves special attention:

1. There is a Redeemer.
2. He is my Redeemer.
3. I know Him.
4. I shall see Him.
5. He will stand upon the earth in the last days.
6. I shall see Him in my flesh.
7. My own eyes shall behold Him.

These are the greatest words of faith ever spoken in the midst of intense suffering and unimaginable affliction.

This passage emphasizes:

- The redemption of the body.
- The hope associated with the glorious return of Jesus Christ.
- The reality of life after death.

Genesis 3:15 is the first divine revelation of God's plan of redemption.

Job 19:25–26 is the first great confession of a man placing his hope in the coming Redeemer.

Furthermore, if Job is indeed the earliest written book of the Bible, this would also be the first biblical occurrence of the word "Redeemer."

There is yet another remarkable truth. In what is often regarded as the Bible's earliest written book, the hope of the Redeemer is proclaimed. In the Bible's final book, Revelation, that same Redeemer appears as the victorious King. This is the central message of the entire Bible: Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.

The Hebrew word translated "Redeemer" is Go'el (גֹּאֵל).

It carries the meanings of:

- Redeemer
- Kinsman-Redeemer
- Deliverer
- One who restores lost rights
- Avenger

In other words, it refers to a close relative who steps in to restore what has been lost.

The clearest Old Testament example is Boaz, who became the kinsman-redeemer of Ruth. He redeemed Ruth and Naomi and restored their family inheritance.

Therefore, when Job declared, "I know that my Redeemer lives," he was expressing confidence that there was One who would take up his cause, vindicate him, and redeem him as his Kinsman-Redeemer.

In the light of the New Testament, this truth finds its complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He became man, entered into our human family as our nearest Kinsman, and redeemed us through His precious blood. He alone is the true and perfect Kinsman-Redeemer.

Hallelujah!