Main Themes of the Book of Job

Who wrote the Book of Job and who did they write it for?

It is unknown who wrote the book of Job, but some speculate that Job penned it himself, while others suggest Elihu, Solomon, or maybe even Moses.

When did the events of the Book of Job happen?

The literary style as well as many of the scriptural and cultural references indicate that Job was likely written in Solomon’s lifetime when wisdom literature was flourishing. The events of his book most likely happened before the Exodus or the establishment of the priesthood.

What was the setting of the Book of Job?

Many cultural aspects presented throughout the book of Job indicate a patriarchal setting. The events of the book of Job happened in the land of Uz, the location of which is unknown but was likely somewhere east of the Jordan River, possibly near Syria, Mesopotamia, or even Edom.

What is the purpose of the Book of Job?

1. Job’s prosperity and the beginning of his afflictions (Job 1-2)
2. The first dialogue (Job 3-14)
   1. Job’s speech (Job 3)
   2. Eliphaz’s first speech (Job 4-5)
   3. Job’s reply (Job 6-7)
   4. Bildad’s first speech (Job 8)
   5. Job’s reply (Job 9-10)
   6. Zophar’s first speech (Job 11)
   7. Job’s reply (Job 12-14)
3. The second dialogue (Job 15-21)
   1. Eliphaz’s second speech (Job 15)
   2. Job’s reply (Job 16-17)
   3. Bildad’s second speech (Job 18)
   4. Job’s reply (Job 19)
   5. Zophar’s second speech (Job 20)
   6. Job’s reply (Job 21)
4. The third dialogue (Job 22-27)
   1. Eliphaz’s third speech (Job 22)
   2. Job’s reply (Job 23-24)
   3. Bildad’s third speech (Job 25)
   4. Job’s reply (Job 26-27)
5. Hymn of wisdom (Job 28)
6. Job’s final monologue (Job 29-31)
7. Elihu’s speeches (Job 32-37)
8. God’s dialogues (Job 38-41)
9. Job’s restoration (Job 42)
   

How does the Book of Job apply to my life?

• Teaches that suffering can be a tool to test and grow one’s faith.
• Enforces that true wisdom comes from God.
• Teaches us to lean into God and trust His plans and wisdom alone.
• Emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful even during times of suffering, and when we don’t understand God or His plans.
• Displays that God is sovereign and will not forsake His people even while Satan seeks to destroy God’s people.
• Teaches that we don’t see or understand how God is working and active in the bigger picture.
• Provides an example of steadfastness under pressure and repentance for sin.
• Teaches that there is not always a connection between goodness and suffering.

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Summary

The Book of Job is a story about a man who undergoes immense trials and suffering, all while there is a divine debate between God and Satan about Job’s faithfulness to the Lord. Satan wants to prove Job will deny God while God is confident that Job is more faithful than Satan gives him credit for. All of this is an incredible story that gives us a peek into some of what happens in the heavenly realms against us.

Job’s story is a powerful one that encourages us that we are not alone in our struggles and pains and that our suffering is not always a consequence of sin. Sometimes we need to experience pain in order for our faith to be refined and renewed. Job withstands the peer pressure of his wife and friends, holds fast to God even while he doesn’t understand, and eventually does repent for the sins he has committed. He recognizes that he isn’t guilty of the sins his wife and friends claim he must be, and that is a great encouragement that we can be confident in our innocence, but we must confess and repent of our sins.

Job has a conversation with his friends about his suffering and eventually, we get to see God interject Himself into the conversation. This is also encouraging in that we can have faith that we have the same advocate fighting for and helping us along in our lives.

Job’s story touches the hearts of many for its relatability and heart-opening insights. There is much to meditate on and be encouraged by, and much to take to heart and apply to your own life.

• Read more: Why do we suffer?
• Read more: Warning Signs: Don’t Sin Willingly
• Read more: Fearless & Faithful: In the Face of Lions
• Read more: We Won’t Understand | Job Devotional

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