Read the Book of Job with these free study helps. You’ll find comfort in God’s message of grace, knowing that He has not turned against you, nor is He punishing you for your sins. Cling to your Redeemer—He will sustain you in the midst of suffering.
Introduction to Job
The Book of Job addresses human suffering and the age-old questions “Where is God?” and “Why is He letting this happen to me?” Job focuses on tenacious faith, especially in the midst of severe suffering and false accusations. Job is a strong believer, put to a severe test when he loses his wealth and children in one day. The next day he loses his health and begins a long, arduous journey in which he simply wishes to die. His three friends come to comfort him but end up trying to solve the riddle of God’s place in human suffering.
Authorship of Job
Job was probably written by Job himself or someone who lived at the same time and was familiar with him. Based on the currency Job describes, the nationalities of the raiding parties who steal his livestock, his great age described at the end of the book, and the sacrifices described, Job likely lived at the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Purpose of Job
Job teaches us the foolishness of trying to judge our relationship with God based on the circumstances of our lives. Just because we are healthy and prosperous does not mean we are right with God; and just because we are suffering one difficulty after another doesn’t mean God has turned against us arbitrarily, is punishing us for our sins, or is just out to get us. Job learns patience and endurance as he clings to his Redeemer.
Outline of Job
Job can be divided into three parts:
- A prose prologue (Job 1–2)
- A dialogue of poetic speeches (3:1– 42:6) between Job, his three friends, a young man named Elihu, and and God Himself
- A prose epilogue (42:7–17)
Download free study questions for the Book of Job.
