The Book of Job: Bible Verses, Story, Wisdom

The book of Job is one of the most epic and powerful books in the Bible.  It tells the story of a man named Job and all of the turmoil he goes through because Satan thinks that he can get Job to turn on God.  Little does Satan know that Job is God-fearing and determined to lean on God.

Key Bible Verses

“And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” (Job 1:8)

“Call now; is there anyone who will answer you?” (Job 5:1)  This was said by Eliphaz and displays the irony of what happens in the end as God doesn’t even allow Eliphaz, Bildad or Zophar to speak.  God won’t even accept their prayers.

“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17)

“With God are wisdom and might; He has counsel and understanding.” (Job 12:13)

Main Characters from Job

Job – Job is a man considered righteous by God.  God has blessed him much in the beginning of the book and blesses him 2 fold in the end of the book.  God allows Satan to test Job to see if Job will turn away from God.

Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite – These are 3 friends that visit Job and confront him in his turmoil.  They all are convinced that Job, or his children have committed some sins that need to be repented of.  However, these three men do not speak rightly of God as they bombard Job with accusations.

God – After 35 chapters of discussion between Job and his friends, God steps in and takes the reigns.  God shows His Holiness and Sovereignty as He displays his knowledge and wisdom before them completely showing them that they are all ignorant, even Job.  God also shows his compassion and generosity as He blesses Job immensely at the end.

Basic Overview: A quick run-through of Job

Part 1

Job was a devoted follower of God who lived in the land of Uz.  He was, “blameless, and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” (Job 1:1)  He had ten children (Job 1:2) and thousands of cattle. (Job 1:3)  He was a very devoted father and offered burnt offerings for his children in case they had sinned. (Job 1:5)  Job was a very righteous and blessed man of the OT.

God knew the heart of Job completely and He offered Satan two separate chances to test Job.  The first test caused the death of all of Job’s children and his property taken away. (Job 1:13-19)  The second test was an attack on Job’s health, as he grew loathsome sores all over his body. (Job 2:1-8)  His reactions to both occasions are astounding!  In the first test, “Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshipped.” (Job 1:20)  After his property and children were taken he worshipped the Lord.  Awesome!  In the second test after his wife says, “curse God and die”, (Job 2:9) Job responds with, “shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10)  Job’s integrity and steadfast attitude is admirable.  We should all strive to live like he did.

Part 2

Chapter 3 through 37 is an ongoing discussion between Job and his 3 friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.  This discussion begins with Job lamenting over his birth.  “Why did I not die at birth, come out of the womb and expire?” (Job 3:11)  All 3 of his friends believed that Job had sinned and that was why he was being punished.  Eliphaz said, “Who that was innocent ever perished?  Or where were the upright cut off?” (Job 4:7)  Bildad said, “Does God pervert justice?  Or does the Almighty pervert the right?  If your children have sinned against Him, he has delivered them into the hand of their transgression.” (Job 8:3-4)  Zophar continues with, “For He knows worthless men; when He sees iniquity, will He not consider it?  But a stupid man will get understanding when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man!” (Job 11:11-12)  These men were supposed to be Job’s friends, but they acted like his enemies.  All they did was look like vindictive imbeciles.  They did not approach Job in love at all.  They were on the attack.  Job’s replies to them all were never offensive at all.  He was kind at times, truthful, and he always defended his stance.  Here are a few things that he said to them during their discussion.  “No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you.  But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you.” (Job 12:2-3)  “Keep listening to my words, and let this be your comfort.  Bear with me, and I will speak, and after I have spoken, mock on.” (Job 21:2-3)  “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.  Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.  I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go; my heart does not reproach me for any of my days.” (Job 27:3-6)  Job remained faithful to God the entire time his friends were mocking and ridiculing him.

Part 3

Chapter 38 through 42:2-6 has God giving two absolutely epic speeches that floor Job.  God starts His first speech with, “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?  Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to  me.” (Job 38:2)  The first speech deals mainly with God’s creation and the second speech deals with power in relation to Himself.  In these two speeches Job realizes how ignorant he is and he ends up vocally submitting to God in chapter 42:1-6.  In chapter 42:7-8, God rebukes Job’s three friends by looking at Eliphaz and saying, “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.  Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves.  And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly.  For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.”

Part 4

God restores Job’s fortunes by giving him twice as much as he had before.  He also had 10 more children, “and there were no women so beautiful as Job’s daughters.” (Job 42:15)  Job lived 140 years total.

Wisdom

 There is much wisdom to take from this story:

1. Stay truthful as Job stayed truthful.

2. Stand up for yourself as Job defended his integrity.

3. Be honest with God.

4. Stay faithful to God in all circumstances.

5. Humbly submit to God’s authority

Conclusion

Job is an amazing story.  If you have not read it, I encourage you to.  Every time I read it I get goose bumps as God rebukes all four men.  God is sovereign and He deserves our all.  God bless you!

Resources- www.youtube.com,The Holy Bible, English Standard Version“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^® (ESV^®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”,photo credit: rennes.i via photopin cc