Synopsis: This book is thought to be one of the oldest books in the Old Testament and is considered to be a poetical book dealing with the problem of suffering. God was approached by Satan who questioned Job’s faithfulness to God because of the many blessings he had in his life. If Job faced trials and tribulations, would he remain faithful to the LORD? God allowed Satan to afflict Job and thereby test his faith. Job basically lost everything, including his health, and several concerned friends joined him and conversed with him in a manner that probably made his suffering worse. The book does have a positive ending and Job learned more about the God he was serving.
Chapter 1-3 starts with the character and wealth of Job, Satan’s accusation and God’s permission to afflict Job, his loss of property, family and health, the arrival of his friends and his expressing of his misery.
Chapters 4-31 are conversational in nature, recording the speeches of Job’s friends that conclude that suffering is due to sin, and Job’s speeches arguing that his suffering is not due to his sin.
Chapters 32-37 is a long speech by a person named Elihu who expresses his opinion of the purpose and cause of suffering.
Chapters 38-41 records God becoming involved in the discussion.
Chapter 42 records God’s correction of wrong thinking by all parties present and the restoration of Job’s prosperity.
Key Verse: Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. Job 13:15