The book of Job is a volume of Holy Scripture that challenges the reader by raising many profound questions, some of which cannot be answered to one's complete satisfaction. This book is included among the five poetical books in our English Bible, followed by Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.

Chapters 1, 2, and 42 are written in stately prose that has an individualistic narrative style.  The long middle section (chapters 3-41) is highly poetic and can best be appreciated when read aloud.

Many scholars have questioned whether or not the man Job ever lived and whether or not the events related in the book took place. However, in the first verse Job is clearly introduced as a man who lived in the land of Uz, a place probably southeast of Israel. Throughout the book Job acts and speaks as a real human being. He is also mentioned in two other passages in the Bible:  Ezekiel 14:14-20 and James 5:11.

When did Job live? Since the book makes no specific reference to other books or characters of the Old Testament, we cannot give a definite date. However, the description of society in the book and the advanced ages of the people (42:16,17) suggest a very early date, possibly earlier than the time of Abraham.

Who wrote the book of Job? Many suggestions have been offered, but since the name of the author is not given, it is needless to speculate. Suffice it to say that God inspired the human writer, whoever he was, to give us this remarkable book.

The chief theme of this book is "Why Does a Righteous God Permit a Good Man to Suffer so Intensely?" Throughout the major portion of the book (chapters 3-31) there are four speakers who in turn discuss the problem:  Job and his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. Job begins and ends the discussion, but all three friends take turns in expressing their opinions:  Eliphaz and Bildad three times and Zophar twice. Although there are differences in their manner of speaking, all three come to the same conclusion, that Job suffered so much because he was an exceptionally great sinner.

To understand the problem, we must not overlook the important conversation between God and Satan in the two opening chapters. When God commended Job for being a God-fearing man, Satan challenged Him and asked permission to test Job with severe afflictions. God permitted Satan to do so on the condition that he must spare his life. God was convinced that Job would in the end retain his faith although at times it wavered under the severe afflictions. He had lost his property, his children had been killed in a mighty storm, and Job had been stricken with a dreadful disease and suffered severe pain.

In chapters 32-37 there is only one speaker, a young man names Elihu. He rebukes Job and his three friends for their failure to come to a proper conclusion. Unlike the other three, Elihu addresses Job by name. While his words are at times blunt and harsh, Elihu points out that God uses afflictions not only as a punishment for sin but also to test and strengthen the faith of a believer.

The book comes to a climax in chapters 38-41 in which God powerfully addresses Job in two discourses. In majestic language God asks Job in question after question if he can comprehend the wonders of God's creation. He does so to purge Job of the pride he had revealed when he complained to God and questioned His justice.

In 38:4-38 God reveals His power and wisdom in the forces of nature, and in 38:39 through 39:30 He reveals His power and wisdom in the realm of animals and birds.

In His second speech God refers to two large animals; the Behemoth (40:15-24) and the Leviathan (42:1-34).  These passages have been the subject of much speculation and discussion. The most common opinion is that they refer to the hippopotamus and the crocodile respectively.

Those identifications appear in the marginal notes of many Bible versions. There are, however, problems with that identification. It seems more likely that those animals who lived at the time of Job have since passed out of existence. (For a brief discussion of this subject, see my commentary on the book of Job in The People's Bible, pp. 322-325).

Other passages that might be of special interest are Job's discussion of Wisdom (28) and four passages that have strong Messianic significance: 14:13-17; 16:18-23; 19:25-27; and 33:23-30.  Particularly 19:25-27, the great Resurrection passage beginning "I know that my Redeemer lives" is familiar to and treasured by Christians.

In the last chapter, 42, God restores and richly blesses Job after his great suffering and loss.  Thus the book ends as it begins, describing the prosperity of Job.

We can benefit greatly from studying the book of Job. Satan is still very active in tempting us every day. We need to turn to our Lord Jesus Christ, who has won the victory over the devil. Trusting in Jesus, we have power to withstand Satan's attacks. We are also assured that the trials we undergo will, by God's grace, serve to strengthen our faith as Christians.

Rudolph E. Honsey is a retired pastor of the ELS and professor of Bethany College and Seminary. He is the author of the volume on Job in The People's Bible, which is available at the Lutheran Synod Book Company in Mankato, Minnesota.