The Story of Job is thought to be the oldest book in the Old Testament. Whether it was written at the time of Job, or by a later inspired writer, it is very old. The background given, Sabean and Chaldean raids, indicates that Job lived during the time the Children of Israel were in Egypt. If this is correct, the Story of Job precedes the Giving of the Law to Moses.

Job fits the model of the patriarchs. His wealth was measured in terms of livestock (Job 1:3), he served as priest for his family (Job 1:5), and he lived for a very long time. According to scripture, Job lived for 140 years after his trials (Job 42:16).

There are some unusual theological issues raised by the Story of Job that I do not understand. I can only explain that God is sovereign, and His will is perfect. The end result of Job’s trials was that Satan was proven wrong and God was glorified.

The Book of Job is unusual, and its placement at the end of eight books (II Samuel through Esther) which detail the Davidic Kingdom of Israel is unusual. I believe its divinely inspired placement is due to the fact that the Story of Job is a parable for the story of Israel. Job was richly blessed and had everything he wanted. Israel was richly blessed and had all that a nation wanted. At the peak of the Kingdom of Israel, during Solomon’s reign, the wealth and influence of Israel was renowned. We may subconsciously discount this era because of familiarity with the Bible, but Israel was rich! The inside of the Temple was covered with gold (I Kings 6:20-22)! Even the flooring was covered with gold (I Kings 6:30).

Job had it all, but lost it all. Israel had it all, and lost it all. The cause of the losses was different, but the end result will be the same. In the end, Job had double the blessings he had before his trials (Job 42:10). He specifically possessed twice as many livestock (Job 42:12). He also had double the number of children; seven sons and three daughters (Job 42:12). The other ten children were in Heaven awaiting him.

In the end, Israel will be richly blessed, also. “...the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them... “ (Isaiah 60:9)

My personal favorite passage from the Book of Job is his statement regarding the Resurrection. Think of it! Before the Giving of the Law to Moses, Job was describing the Resurrection!

“For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another;!” – Job 19:25-27