The Book of Job

An overview of the Book of Job

Title

Job takes its name from it's chief character who it is believed lived during the Patriarchal period - 2000 B.C.

Literary Genre

The central core of the book is poetry and along with the Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon belongs to the Poetry and Wisdom genre of the Old Testament. Wisdom literature, generally, provided guidance for moral behavior and for the issues of everyday living.

Job is a classic examination of the problem of evil and human suffering in light of the sovereignty of God.

Authorship

The Authorship of Job is not certain but he may have written it himself sometime after the events that are recorded in it.

Date

The date of the book is also uncertain. Two general dates are suggested.

1. The era of King Solomon: 900-950 B.C.

2. The Patriarchal era: 2000-1800 B.C.

Outline

I. Prologue (1-2)

II. Dialogues

A. Job's opening lament (3)

B. Cycle 1: Consolation (4-14)

C. Cycle 2: The fate of the wicked (15-21)

D. Cycle 3: Specific accusations (22-27)

III. Interlude: Poem of Wisdom (28)

IV. Further Discourses

A. Discourse 1 - Job speaks (29-31)

B. Discourse 2 - Elihi speaks (32-37)

C. Discourse 3 - God speaks (38-41)

D. Job's closing comments (40-42:6)

V. Epilogue (42:7-17)

Though Job is a righteous man God allows Satan to test him through personal loss and physical pain. Puzzled, then frustrated and finally very exasperated, Job challenges God to give him an answer in regard to his suffering.

Job's friends want to comfort him but they feel very strongly that Job's problems must be a result of some sin in his life. They rebuke Job and insist he must repent.

Job knows of no sin in his life and therefore, undaunted, demands and audience with God. God eventually speaks to him but Job leans something important concerning the sovereignty of God over his life.

Job repents of his lack of knowledge and is reconciled to his God

Major Characters in the Book of Job

Job, God, Satan, Job's wife, Job's four friends

Major Events

1. Satan's meetings with God

2. Job's losses

3. The conversations of Job and his friends

4. Job's audience with God

5. Job's final response

Purpose and Message

1. Job offers a biblical perspective of suffering

2. Job explores the justice of God's treatment of the righteous

3. Job teaches us in regard to the sovereignty of God

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