Job (pronounced "jobe"), was a rich farmer living in the land of Uz, somewhere northeast of Palestine. Some Bible scholars debate whether he was an actual person or legend, but Job is mentioned as an historical figure by the prophet Ezekial (Ezekial 14:14, 20) and in the book of James (James 5:11).
The key question in the book of Job asks: "Can a favored, righteous person hold on to their faith in God when things go wrong?" In a conversation with Satan, God argues that such a person can indeed persevere, and points out his servant Job as an example. God then allows Satan to visit terrible trials upon Job to test him.
In a short period of time, marauders and lightning claim all Job's livestock, then a desert wind blows down a house, killing all of Job's sons and daughters. When Job keeps his faith in God, Satan afflicts him with painful sores all over his body. Job's wife urges him to "Curse God and die." (Job 2:9, NIV)
Three friends show up, supposedly to comfort Job, but their visit turns into a long theological debate over what caused Job's suffering. They claim Job is being punished for sin, but Job maintains his innocence. Like us, Job asks, "Why me?"
A fourth visitor, named Elihu, suggests that God may be trying to purify Job through suffering. While Elihu's counsel is more comforting than that of the other men, it is still only speculation.
Finally, God appears to Job in a storm and gives a stunning account of his majestic works and power. Job, humbled and overwhelmed, acknowledges God's right as Creator to do whatever he pleases.
God rebukes Job's three friends and orders them to make a sacrifice. Job prays for God's forgiveness of them and God accepts his prayer. At the end of the book, God gives Job twice as much wealth as he had before, along with seven sons and three daughters. After that, Job lived 140 more years.
Job's Strengths and Accomplishments:
- Was a man of faith, patience, and endurance
- Was known as a generous and caring person
- Was very wealthy
Job's Weakness:
Allowed his desire to understand why he was suffering overwhelm him and make him question God
Life Lessons:
- Knowing God is better than knowing answers
- God is not arbitrary or uncaring
- Pain is not always punishment
Hometown: Uz
Referenced in the Bible:
Job’s story is told in the book of Job. He is also referred to in Ezekiel 14:14, 20 and James 5:11.
Occupation:
Wealthy landowner and livestock owner
Family Tree:
Wife and first 10 children not named.
Daughters from the second set of children: Jemimah, Keziah, Keren-happuch
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