Books of the Bible--Job

Job is one of the most interesting, quoted, and misunderstood books in the Bible. It begins and ends with some narration in the middle is nearly all poetry. The narration itself is quite unusual because the setting is not earth but heaven, featuring a dialogue between God and Satan. Then we are shown on Earth the results of that Heavenly conversation.


God calls Satan's attention to Job but Satan replies that Job is only faithful because he is blessed by God. So God gives Satan temporary power to remove any blessings Satan feels are influencing Job's choices. Satan precedes to take away Job's flocks and herds and wealth, his health, and his 10 children. Job does question God because of course he doesn't understand but he remains faithful.

The following approximately forty chapters are poetry as Job, his friends, and his wife (interesting that Satan chose not to remove them!) try to understand and explain why these things have happened. It also includes God's response to Job.

The final chapter is God restoring Job. He receives everything he had lost and then some.

Job is used to illustrate faithfulness in the absence of understanding and the awesome greatness of God.