What is the book of Job?
Job is a book of Israel’s wisdom, poems and songs. It asks many questions about suffering and offers some answers. It does this through a story about Job and speeches by Job, his friends and God. Most of the book is written as long poems.
The story of Job took place in the times when Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived. It took place east of the land of Israel.
It isn’t known who wrote the book of Job or when it was written down.
Who was this book written for?
For the people of Israel.
Why was Job written?
To explain different ways that people suffer.
To show that God has more power and authority than anything or anyone else.
To show that God makes life possible for everything he created.
To give an example of someone remaining faithful to God when they are suffering.
Main ideas
Suffering happens for many different reasons. It can’t be explained only as the result of someone’s sin.
Human beings can’t fully understand God and his actions. They can trust that he loves everything he created and does good for his creatures.
God tests human beings. Tests can show if a person is truly committed to God.
Outline
Job is blessed with success (1:1–5).
Job is tested (1 – 2).
Speeches by Job, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar (3 – 31).
A speech by Elihu (32 – 37).
Speeches by God (38:1 – 42:6).
Job is blessed with success again (42:7–17).