Job 1 Commentary

Job 1 Commentary

Job finds himself in a position of being a victim in a fight that he is not even aware of. He is the main subject of an experiment going on far beyond the world of mortals. He is the target of unsuccessful satanic attacks because he is the subject of Grace.

Welcome to the Book of Job. Let’s enjoy this journey.

There are many plots to unpack. Firstly and importantly, the righteous man begins to suffer because of events beyond his control. Yes, it is possible. Secondly, Job’s good life is because of the LORD. However, interestingly, Job’s misfortunes are also attributed to the same God. He has allowed both.

The existence of Satan is interesting. He is shown as another personality thereabout, roaming back and forth, destabilizing the world of mortals. But Job is an impossible target. Reason? The LORD has put a hedge of protection around him.

Satan thinks the relationship between God and Job cannot hold if the benefits are withdrawn. If the benefits are withdrawn from Job, his love for God will disappear completely. Equally and consequently, if the forsaken Job curses God, the LORD will no longer love Job.

The rest of the book is arranged to examine the details of this crucial life argument.

For now, we can see how the LORD allows satan to zero Job in a series of attacks. The attacks come in all sorts of colors and shapes. Some are man-made while others are natural. Job is brought to zero, but satan’s plan fails. Job falls on his knees in worship. The book should actually end here, but we have 41 more chapters. Job’s surviving family is yet to react. Job’s friends are yet to have their own say on Job’s calamities.

This is exactly the saint’s life. You say yes to suffering because you strongly believe the LORD works in all things for your good. He is, after all, in charge and rules over the entire universe. He is great and knows all. So you understand.

But the thought of family and friends, and the world around you, quickly takes you to the debate table again. The next moment, you actually don’t understand. You go through gears of emotions, understanding and misunderstanding, acceptance and rejection, or simply confusion. It’s a terrible song on repeat.

How we all wish it ends at the moment of great faith with a Job-like declaration: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

This is a luxury many saints don’t have.

The Book of Job is the LORD’s special gift to a world that is increasingly becoming more and more materialistic. Job worships the LORD with and without physical possessions. It is now the saint’s turn. Let’s see how it goes with you.

There are some interesting parallels in this book. The righteous Job faces his tests after God’s endorsement. Job prefigures another, the real deal, the man Jesus. His tests come after God’s endorsement: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Check Job’s declaration: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.” It’s a picture of another of God’s sons, Adam. He is naked before sin. He is clothed after sin. But Job was born naked, and he shall remain so. Deeper items, indeed.

How does this volume fit into the rest of the written word of God?

None is righteous, the scripture declares. Yet this book boldly declares Job to be righteous! Then you know we aren’t talking about the human character job! The message outlives and outshines its physical environment, and looks to the future – our future with God’s only Son in the picture. We shall look into some details that become relevant to the saint’s daily walk with the LORD – the saint having taken on the image of the Son.

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