Probably the patriarchal age · around 2000 BC (according to tradition)
Job in the Bible
The man of integrity tested by suffering. Name meaning: Meaning uncertain; perhaps “Where is the Father?” or “he who turns back to God”
A wealthy and devout man of the land of Uz, Job loses in a single day his possessions and all ten of his children, then his health, without knowing of the accusation Satan has brought before God. While his friends charge him with being punished for his sins, he cries out in distress, defends his innocence, and clings to God. When God answers him out of the whirlwind, Job repents, intercedes for his friends, and is restored twofold.
Key moments
- God declares him without equal on the earth Job 1:8
- “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away” Job 1:21
- Struck with boils, sitting in the ashes Job 2:7–8
- His friends sit beside him for seven days in silence Job 2:13
- “I know that my redeemer liveth” Job 19:25
- God answers him out of the whirlwind Job 38:1
- “Now mine eye seeth thee” Job 42:5–6
- Restored twofold after praying for his friends Job 42:10
Strengths
- Integrity
- Fear of God
- Perseverance
- Honesty before God
- A spirit of intercession
Weaknesses
In his suffering, Job cursed the day of his birth and ended up accusing God of denying him justice (3:1; 27:2). In defending his innocence, he spoke of things beyond his understanding and had to repent of it (42:3-6).
Lessons for today
- Suffering is not always the consequence of personal sin: let us not be too quick to judge those who suffer (42:7).
- True faith loves God for who he is, not for his blessings: we can bless his name even in loss (1:21).
- When we do not understand, knowing God is better than getting explanations (42:5).
- Praying for those who have hurt us opens the door to restoration (42:10).
And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
People around Job
- His wife — The wife who advised him to curse God
- Eliphaz the Temanite — First of the three accusing friends
- Bildad the Shuhite — Second friend
- Zophar the Naamathite — Third friend
- Elihu — Young man who rebuked Job and his friends
- Jemima, Kezia, and Keren-happuch — His three daughters born after the trial
Stories with Job
Quiz: how well do you know Job?
In which land did Job live?
The book opens: “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job.” Job 1:1
What does Job say as he falls to the ground in worship, after hearing of his children’s deaths?
Job fell down upon the ground and worshipped, and said: “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” “Curse God, and die!” will be his wife’s line. Job 1:20–21
How long did the three friends sit in silence beside Job?
“They sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him,” for they saw how very great his grief was. Job 2:13
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.