Reading Guide
Job
Prologue - Chapters 1-2
Where does Job reside? Is Job an Isrealite? How does the author describe Job?
How does God describe Job?
How does Satan accuse Job? What does he say about Job?
What was Job’s wife’s response to his suffering?
What was Job’s response to his suffering?
What was the initial response of Job’s friends when they saw him?
Chapters 3-28 - Discussion/debate between Job and his three friends
Three cycles: chapters 3-14; chapters 15-21; chapters 22-28
Three questions:
Is God just?
Does God run the universe on the strict principle of justice?
How can Job’s suffering be explained?
Job and his friends are working from a widely held belief at that time, that everything that happens in the universe should operate according to the strict principle of justice.
If you are a wise and good person and honor God > Success and reward will come..
If you are evil and stupid and sinful > Disaster and punishment will come.
What is Job’s argument and what does he conclude about the reason for his suffering?
What is the argument of Job’s friends and what do they conclude is the reason for Job’s suffering?
Chapters 29-31 - Job’s final statement. What is Job’s claim? What is Job’s demand (31:35)?
Chapters 32-37 - What is Elihu’s argument and what is his conclusion about Job’s suffering?
Chapters 38-41 - God’s response
Chapters 38-39 God takes Job on a virtual tour of the universe. What is the point of all this?
Hint: God’s perspective vs. Job’s perspective.
Job 40:1-14
God: OK, Job, you think you are so smart, why don’t you run the universe for a day?
Chapter 40:15 - chapter 41 Behemoth and Leviathan
Symbols of disorder and danger (Isaiah 27:1; Psalm 74:13-14)
The world: good but not perfect; ordered but wild; beautiful but dangerous
Job: “You are unjust.” God: “You are not in a position to make that claim.”
Job: “I demand an explanation!” God: “I invite you to trust my wisdom.”
Chapter 42:1-6 Job’s confession
Chapter 42:7-17 Epilogue
God’s final response to Job’s friends. What does God say to them?
What does God say about Job?
Job is restored.