Job

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The Bible's one of the oldest books, the Book of Job, is classified among the so-called wisdom books. Its author could have been Moses, who wrote the story while staying in the land of Midian, or Job himself may have recorded the conversations.

It is still debated whether Job was a real historical figure. He could have lived around 500 years before Moses, around 2000 BC. The meaning of his name is "hated" or "persecuted."

The main question of the Book of Job is the problem of human suffering and the underlying issue of evil. If God exists, why does He allow physical and mental cruelty? If He is all-powerful and merciful, shouldn't He prevent suffering, especially for the righteous? Job's story provides answers to these questions.

Job, the faithful

• Patiently bears his fate Job was an honorable and devout man: "blameless, upright, God-fearing, and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). Satan decided to test him, and Job was suddenly struck by calamities. He lost ten children, his livestock was stolen, his friends and relatives turned against him, and even his wife. A deadly disease took hold of him: skin afflictions with sores, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, exhaustion, and constant pain. The symptoms were in harmony with his spiritual wounds and torments. His life was full of tragedies, yet he did not curse God. "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!" (Job 1:21-22).
• Confronts his friends Job's book is often referred to as a "symphony of ideas," with the majority of the book consisting of an evaluation of the calamities. Job engages in conversations with his friends, and the book concludes with God's statements. The debate with friends is in three cycles. Initially, the friends make insinuations, then they cast suspicions, and finally, they accuse. Relying on reason, they see a direct cause-and-effect relationship between suffering and sin.

According to them, no one experiences misfortunes innocently; Job's sin could be theft or adultery. The fourth speaker even adds that God only punishes with educational intent. They are partly right that there are cases where suffering is a consequence of sin, but this is not universal. Job struggles with his fate: Why should a person live if so much suffering is their lot? Why should someone live who has already accepted death? Why is he the target? Why is God's deliverance delayed when our conscience is clear?

He curses his own existence, but he never curses God. "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15). He rejects the accusations, denies that the calamities befell him due to sin. God could have allowed his humiliation. He argues gradually: first, he expresses his faith in God's Word, then that even if God had turned away from him, he would still hold on to Him. If he doesn't receive an answer in his lifetime, he hopes for a resolution in God's final judgment.

• Confronts Satan God subjected Job to a test to examine his character and behavior. Satan (the name Satan appears here for the first time in the Bible) is his adversary, testing him three times. Job withstands each trial. Contrary to Satan's accusation that Job follows God only for wealth and health, Job demonstrates the opposite. Even forsaken and afflicted, he fervently loves the Lord. There exists a love without personal gain, surpassing all difficulties; this is a fundamental law of life. Since Satan couldn't defeat Christ, he attempts to lead people away from God. Job passes the test and prevails.
• Remains a faithful servant of God God's response to tolerating sin: Evil cannot be eradicated with evil means because evil has infiltrated as an enemy. Overcoming evil requires patience; firstly, evil must be cleansed from the human, and Satan must be made hateful to them. Cooperating with God in longsuffering is essential to conquer evil. Job accomplished this. He remained faithful to God, considering Him the dispenser of justice, and eternal life was his hope.

Job reaches the pinnacle of his argument with his unwavering belief in God's redemption. "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth" (Job 19:25). God speaks to him through a natural phenomenon, a storm. He doesn't directly answer the question of suffering but speaks about creation, explaining His creative work. He emphasizes His plans and love. Even Satan (Ezekiel 28:15) was created by Him. But God triumphed over Satan.

The answer to why there is suffering is that the Creator can deal freely with His creatures; yet, absolute trust can be placed in Him—everything the Creator does is for the best. The perfect teaching of creation is the answer to all the problems of our world. The creation was written to lead people to Christ.

In terms of reason, faith, and thought, Job is a sincere child of God. God ultimately exonerates Job, who recovers, receiving double compensation: new possessions, a family, and a long life. The news spread that God miraculously appeared and affirmed His servant Job.

The Book of Job proclaims the triumph of a human behavioral pattern adhering to God's word in extreme trials. Job is an example of unwavering moral righteousness and personal faith in God. 

Reisinger János: The Book of Job in Old Testament Wisdom Books, Bible School Community, 2002 

Henry Morris Wonderful Account of Job, Evangelical Press, 1998