The Book of Job

In chronological order within the Old Testament, the book of Job is the first poetic book, just before the book of Psalms. In this book, we find the story of Job, a Jewish man who underwent great suffering but kept his faith until the end. Read on to learn who Job is in the Bible, the trials of faith he overcame and some beautiful Bible passages in his book!

Who is Job in the Bible?

Job’s trails

The Bible introduces us to Job as an example of justice righteousness of his generation. However, his faith in God would be challenged by all the misfortune sent by Satan into his life. Indeed, Job loses all his possessions, his seven sons and three daughters, and some time later, he loses his health. Indeed, it is written: “So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.” (Job 2:7). Seeing his misery, “His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9), and Job refuses to curse God. As a reward for keeping his faith, “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10)

Job’s friends

As he suffers, Job is visited and supported by his friends, Elifaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, Zofar the Naamathite, and Elihu. They look for any possible arguments to make Job recognize his faults before God. Indeed from their point of view, Job’s suffering must be God’s justice. “He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves.” (Job 34:11). However, God judged that they hadn't been good friends to Job: “(...) “[The Lord] said to Elifaz the Temanite, ‘I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.” (Job 42:7) and asked Job to pray for them.

7 Beautiful Bible Passages from the Book of Job

Blessed be the Lord’s name

“...and [Job] said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”  (Job 1:21)

God is the creator of all

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.” (Job 38:4)

“Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?” (Job 38:12)

To be truly wise is to fear the Lord

And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28)

Devote your heart to God

“Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear.” (Job 11:13-15)

My redeemer will be the last standing

“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;” (Job 19:25-26)

Now my eyes have seen you

“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5)