The Basics: A Brief Overview Of Job
The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.
The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.
Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.
These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.
Introduction
Who wrote it
When did they write it
Key topics
Key sections
Books that interact with each other
Analysis of the Book
As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.
BASICS COURSE: JOB
INTRODUCTION
The book of Job is a window into the past. The reader is able to view dialogue between God and Satan, God and man, and even men’s attempt of understanding the characteristics of life itself. This book is considered Hebrew poetry. However, do not mistake this book for symbolism nor for fantastical fiction, but rather a detailed written account of an event that God used to show an important lesson. God showed that the most righteous man on earth (excluding Jesus Christ) Job, needed to understand that he was nothing in comparison to God and His righteousness. This book is a scientific declaration, a philosophical underpinning of anthropology and theology. This book is a spiritual revealing of spiritual beings, and most importantly a proclamation of the need for our savior Jesus Christ. This book should not be taken lightly, but it is a wonderful encouragement to anyone who is in the midst of a trial. This book is not our second because of its placement in the Bible, but rather its timeline of when it was written. It is a stand alone book dealing with a single event instead of a family or nation.
WHO WROTE IT:
We do not know for sure who wrote the book of Job. However, we do know that it is considered to be part of the inspired Word of God. James references Job, “Behold, we count them happy which endure. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11. Some have speculated that Moses was the author. I would also throw King Solomon’s name onto the possible authors list based on the drastic amount of wisdom, biology, anthropology, theology, and other studies that are found in the book. In my own opinion, the book is written like a philosophical dialogue that would be a key characteristic of King Solomon.
WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:
While the exact date of it being written is vague, we do have a good idea of when the events of the book happened. Job 42:16 “After this, Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons and his grandsons, four generations.” His life span reflects those immediately after the events of the flood. We know it happened prior to the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt since there is no mosaic law, thus we can conclude that the events are probably right around the time of Jacob. This is based on Eliphaz the Temanite, who was descended from the oldest son of Esau in Genesis 36:10-11. So with all this said, we can estimate around 1836-1689 BC.
KEY TOPICS:
This book ranges across topics from Heaven, Angels, Satan, anthropology, biology, astronomy, philosophy, sociology, and finally theology.
KEY SECTIONS:
The book of Job is identified as Hebrew poetry. While not rhythmic, rather a written dialogue discussion. Because of this typology the book can be broken into parts. A good example of this style of writing is the secular book “The Odyssey”. Nevertheless, the book can be outlined in the following format. Chapters 1-2 God and Satan’s dialogue, and Job’s initial events. Chapters 3-37 is Job among men having almost a duet of dialogue where they discuss in a philosophical way the intricacies of the described key topics. Finally, chapter 38 through the end of the book, we see God directly converse with Job. God’s opening line is a thought provoking warning to any reader that God is about to outline His majestic power as only God can, “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now gird up your loins like a man; and I will ask you, and you instruct Me!” Job 38:2-3.
BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:
Job is mentioned in several books of the Bible, both Old and New Testament. However, there is no key specific book that gives direct interaction with Job. That does not mean this book should be quickly skipped, Job gives dogmatic examples of the perfection of God and the absolute imperfection of man. Job subtlety, but overwhelmingly, helps create a fantastic argument for the divinity of God, which is argued for in the rest of scripture.
ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:
As previously stated, Job might not be the most quoted book of the Bible, nor the most read. However, the book of Job helps reveal the nature of God and His creation like no other book in the Bible. Science is still trying to keep up with the proclamations that God makes of His creation and the natural laws that He ordained to define. Some would state that Job is a book of suffering, in its simplest form this would be correct. However, for those who are willing to seek out its depths, they will find the richness of God that only He can reveal in His word. Job is a book for the broken hearted and the curious, who want to see why God does what He does and how nature, life, and society is set on this particular path we are destined to be on.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming ,
JL