Job 1:1-5
There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of complete integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil.
Job 1:1
Required Reading
Devotional
Today we are introduced to a new book of the Bible, believed by many to be one of the oldest stories in all of history. Over the next few weeks, we'll discuss many of the themes and thought provoking ideas presented in this book, but let's get some of the context out of the way first.
Job is a unique biblical book in many ways. Explained more in the Bible Project's Overview of Job, there are three primary characteristics of Job that set it apart from most of scripture.
Most of the Old Testament is very clearly following a path from Adam to Jesus and telling the stories of those along the way. Yet Job is nowhere to be found in the lineage of Jesus. In fact, we are unsure exactly who Job is related to.
So the question is, why should we consider the book of Job trustworthy?
I believe this video explains it best.
Job is a unique biblical book in many ways. Explained more in the Bible Project's Overview of Job, there are three primary characteristics of Job that set it apart from most of scripture.
1. Its subject, (Job), is not an Israelite
2. It takes place in a foreign place called Uz
3. There is no clear setting for when it took place
Most of the Old Testament is very clearly following a path from Adam to Jesus and telling the stories of those along the way. Yet Job is nowhere to be found in the lineage of Jesus. In fact, we are unsure exactly who Job is related to.
So the question is, why should we consider the book of Job trustworthy?
I believe this video explains it best.
In case you aren't in a place to watch, here is a key section from the video's transcript:
In other words, if we simply use the clues within the book of Job, as well as other writings that refer to Job, we can reasonably confirm its authenticity.
This is important because the themes and conversations that are about to take place over the next few weeks are going to be difficult and challenging to accept. So be prepared to accept its words as true and authentic as we come face to face with what the Bible says about justice and suffering.
1. Literary Analysis (Job):
To prove the historicity of Job, we must turn to literary analysis: the practice of examining ancient writings to piece together historical evidence. In the case of Job, there are several ancient documents to consider.
The first is the book of Job itself, which although written in a style of ancient Hebrew poetry, consistently provides details in keeping with a real historical person, such as names, places, and specific narrative details. This would differ from other Biblical and ancient parables if Job was purely fictitious. Instead, it seems more likely that the Book of Job is based on true historical events that were passed down perhaps first as oral poetry and later written down as a complete work.
2. Comparative Analysis (Ludlul):
This kind of contemplative poetry from the perspective of a certain individual is not unique in the ancient world. This is where we can use comparative analysis. A great comparison can be found in the Akkadian text of Ludlul Bēl Nēmeqi, written in roughly 1300 BC and often called the “Babylonian Job.”3 This text, though not nearly as extensive as the book of Job, provides a unique insight into how scholars are willing to believe that Ludlul is likely based on a real person and events.4 This contrasts with the skeptical nature in which many scholars view the historicity of the person of Job.
3. Further Literary Analysis (Ezekiel, James):
Further literary evidence for understanding Job as a real person comes from the book of Ezekiel which mentions Job in the context of God’s impending judgment saying, “even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver but their own lives by their righteousness.”5 From a biblical perspective, Noah and Daniel are both clearly historical characters, so it would be quite surprising if Job was mentioned in this context but was purely fictitious.
Similarly, the book of James mentions Job saying, “As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”6 Job is mentioned here in the context of the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. This again would be quite surprising if Job and his story were meant to be understood simply as an allegory and not about a real historical person.
In other words, if we simply use the clues within the book of Job, as well as other writings that refer to Job, we can reasonably confirm its authenticity.
This is important because the themes and conversations that are about to take place over the next few weeks are going to be difficult and challenging to accept. So be prepared to accept its words as true and authentic as we come face to face with what the Bible says about justice and suffering.
Reflection Questions
- Does the fact that Job's author is anonymous and without date make it challenging to accept it as authentic? Why or why not?
- What about the author's description of Job's character stands out to you?
- Which of Job's "regular practices" do you consider a regular practice of your own? Which one do you want to improve on?
Go Deeper
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Recommended Videos (Job 1-3)
VIBEZ Daily Podcast
The Bible Project
The Book of Job
Eyewitness Bible
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