Bible Study

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The Book of Job – An Introduction

Expository Commentary on the Book of Job.*

*Bible Study – 1*

The Book of Job is regarded by many scholars as the earliest book written in the Bible. It is also considered the first poetic book in Scripture and is respected as one of the oldest works of poetic literature in the world.
The identity of the author cannot be stated with certainty. According to Jewish tradition, Moses may have written the book. Many scholars believe it was composed sometime between 2000 and 1500 B.C.
Some Bible scholars, particularly Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, suggest that the Book of Job may be one of the oldest books in existence.
It cannot be stated with certainty that Job belonged to the Jewish nation. He functioned as a priest for his own family (Job 1:5), which suggests that he may have lived during the Patriarchal Age.
In those days, a person's wealth and prosperity were measured by the number of livestock he possessed. The description of Job's wealth reflects this cultural reality.
Some believe that the name "Job" means "the afflicted one" or "the persecuted one."
Who Was Job?
Job lived in the land of Uz and was a righteous and God-fearing man. He was extremely wealthy and highly respected in society.
Job was not a fictional character. The prophet Ezekiel mentions him in the Old Testament (Ezekiel 14:14, 20), and James refers to Job's perseverance in the New Testament (James 5:11).
The absence of references to Jewish history, the Mosaic Law, the nation of Israel, or the covenant is considered by many scholars to be evidence that the book belongs to the Patriarchal period.
The Central Question of the Book
"Why do the righteous suffer?"
The Book of Job explores this profound question and provides insight into God's purposes in the midst of suffering.
Major Characters
God
Job
Satan
Job's Friends
Elihu
Structure of the Book of Job
1. Job's Testing
Chapters 1–2
2. Dialogues Between Job and His Friends
Chapters 3–37
3. God's Response
Chapters 38–41
4. Job's Restoration and Blessing
Chapter 42
Lessons for Us
One of the greatest challenges this book presents is the experience of feeling that God is silent in the midst of suffering.
This is one of the most difficult experiences in the spiritual life of a believer.
Yet the Book of Job teaches us a vital lesson: we must learn patience in times of affliction.
Even when God appears to be silent, He is not inactive. His purposes and ways are far higher than our understanding.
Therefore, every child of God must remain steadfast in faith and patience during trials, trusting that God is working behind the scenes for His glory and our good.
In God's Service,