The+Book+of+Job+-+context


 * The Book of Jōb – the story itself. **

__** Chapter 1 and 2. **__

God is honoured by the thoughts and actions of Job, ‘a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil.’ (Job 1:8). The Satan (the Adversary) presents himself to God and they agree to ‘test’ Job’s faith because The Satan believes that Job’s faith is largely due to God’s protection of him. Job experiences four separate catastrophes; each account is relayed to Job by a sole survivor from each catastrophe. Firstly, Job’s oxen and donkeys (five hundred each) are carried away by the Sabeans who also kill all the tending servants. Secondly, fire kills his seven thousand strong herd of sheep and all attending servants. Thirdly, the Chaldeans carry away his herd of camels (three thousand) and kill his servants. Finally, while feasting in the house of Job’s eldest son, a great wind levels the building killing all inside (Job’s seven sons, three daughters and numerous servants). Hearing the news of these catastrophes, Job removes his robes, shaves his head and falls to the ground declaring, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I shall return there; the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) Satan declares, “Skin for skin! All that people have they will give to save their lives.” (Job 2:4), meaning that it is one’s own body that people hold most value towards. Satan now causes hardship upon Job’s body, inflicting loathsome sores from the sole of his feet to the crown of his head. When Job is questioned by his wife as to why he is persisting with his integrity – for surely death itself would be more welcoming – Job replies with a question himself, “Shall we receive the good at the hand of God and not receive the bad?” (Job 2:9) Job remains true to God, his faith strong in the mysterious ways of the Lord. This short prose passage sets up the main poetic dialogue that is to follow.

__** Chapter’s 3 to 42:6 **__

This main section of The Book of Job consists of a series of speeches written in poetic form. It combines various elements such as wisdom and prophetic literature, poetic drama and tragedy. Job is joined by three friends, who at first do not recognise Job due to his immense suffering. Eventually they too remove their robes and sit down with Job for seven days and seven nights – in silence. Following a week of silence Job questions his life and the reasons for his recent hardship and consequent suffering. The task of Job’s three friends is to present the traditional argument as to why human suffering exists (a result of sin). [1] Here we find Job challenging the old Hebrew notion that human suffering is a result of one’s transgressions – man sins and God punishes the sinner. However, Job does not understand how or what he has done wrong (Job 6:24) and he maintains his innocence and righteousness. Job loathes his life and wants to know why God is against him. Although Job declares that God is wise in heart and mighty in strength (all powerful – omnipotent), and all knowing (omniscience) and the Creator and controller of all things, he begins to question the ways of God, while also questioning his own understanding; “(God) does great things beyond understanding and marvellous things without number.” (Job 9:10) No matter what his three friends say, their answers do not satisfy Job who constantly reaffirms his innocence. Job’s grievance is with God, and it is with God that he wants understanding; “Make me know my transgression and my sin.” (Job 13:23) Furthermore, “As long as my breath is in me and the spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips will not speak falsehood and my tongue will not utter deceit.” (Job 27:3-4) Job’s three friends continue to question Job’s righteousness – for God rewards those who are good and punishes people who are wicked. Has Job truly served God and His people? Has Job clothed the naked, feed the hungry and given water to the tired and thirsty?” (Job 22:6-7). Job feels lost and abandon – no matter which way he turns he cannot find God. Although he has stayed true to God’s commandment and has not departed from the path (Job 23:12), he still suffers great hardship and terrible afflictions. Why does God not answer his prayers and the prayers of the needy while the wicked continue to prosper? (Job 24). Why? Where is the justice in living a righteous life? What is the purpose and meaning of our human existence? What is God’s plan? These questions generalise the debate between Job and his three friends. Job is seeking many answers for his numerous questions – he wants to understand. It is precisely such questions and Job’s wanting to know which makes the Book of Job as relevant today as it was three thousand years ago. Either individually or humanity as a whole are still asking the same questions, ‘why is their suffering in the world.’

[1] Charpentier, E., //How to Read the Old Testament,// tr. J.Bowden, London: SCM Press Ltd, 1981, p.82