Podcast 15, Stories of the Bible, “The Book of Job, Ch 1”

Podcast 15, Stories of the Bible, “The Book of Job, Ch 1”

Welcome to Stories of the Old Testament, Podcast 15, “The Book of Job, Ch I” 

All books of the Holy Bible are unique, distinguished by their own voice. Of course, some, such as The Book of Revelation and The Book of Isaiah, stand out as nonpareil. Few, however, demand our attention like The Book of Job. Though the author is unknown, it is written by the Shakespeare of the Bible. It pulls you into the story. Job is Everyman. Suffering is the common denominator of all mankind. Where does one find the equal to the story of Job? The uniqueness of Job is that, second only to Christ, none have suffered more, though perhaps many have suffered equally, yet he remained faithful to God. 

We are taken aback by the power of his spirit, the power of his understanding, the power of his courage, and the power of his endurance. As Christ defeated Satan in the Wilderness of his affliction so did Job defeat Satan in the Wilderness of his suffering showing that it can be done. God expects the same of us. Many have turned against God for far less reasons. 

I stand with those who believe Job was a real person and this is his remarkable story. As we shall see, out of the depth of his suffering, comes some of the most remarkable statements in the Holy Bible. However, it does not come as a common pulpit sermon, but out of the depths of his soul. 

First let’s look at the framework of the story. First we are informed of Job’s righteousness. 

Job 1:1

1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

Job is ‘perfect and upright.’ It is important to keep that in mind, especially when his well-meaning, but insensitive friends, try to comfort him. Next we learn of his large family.

Job 1:2

2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

Next we learn of the vastness of his wealth.

Job 1:3

3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

Job’s family is primary, his wealth secondary.

Job 1:4

4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

The next verse demonstrates the uniqueness and humility of Job. It is clear that his riches have not corrupted him.

Job 1:5

5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. 

Job was family oriented. He taught his children faith in God. He did not want wealth to corrupt them. 

The following dialogue has historic precedent for we see it in the creation story of the Garden of Eden.

Job 1:6-12

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.

7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?