Bible Commentaries

In magnificence of argument and beauty of style this Book is one of the grandest in the divine Library. The story of Job is presented in dramatic form.

It opens with a picture of Job. He is seen in three respects: first, as to character. The opening verses declare him to be "perfect and upright, and one that feared God and eschewed evil." The language is simple, and suggests that high integrity which never fails to command respect. In the second place, he is seen in the midst of his home life, rejoicing in his children, not attempting to stay their festivity, while yet anxious concerning their character. Finally, he is revealed to us as a man of great wealth. The combination is rare and remarkable. The man stands before us, a strong and majestic figure, upright and tender, just and gracious; in the language of the chronicler, the "greatest of all the children of the east."

Then we are confronted with a most startling situation. Heaven is seen in argument with hell about earth. God is heard in defense of a man against Satan. The angel messengers of the Most High are seen gathering to Him in counsel. Among them was one, like them in nature, and yet unlike. He is here named the adversary. His estimate of Job was that his attitude toward God was based on pure selfishness, and that if what Job possessed was taken from him he would cease to be loyal to the throne of God. To the adversary permission was given to deal with the possessions of Job. To this permission bounds were set beyond which he might not go. The person of the patriarch was not to be touched. The storm broke on the head of Job. All the advantage seemed to be with the enemy, for up to a certain point Job was powerless against him. There was, however, an inner citadel which the enemy could not touch. Satan is revealed here in startling light. His malice is seen in the choice of time. He strikes in the midst of festivity. His persistence is manifest in that he proceeds to the uttermost bound of the permission is limitation is evident in that he cannot transgress that bound.

The answer of Job to the sweeping storm was characterized by heroism and vast breadth of outlook. There was no affectation of stoicism. He was afflicted, and showed it in all the outward signs of mourning. In the midst of these, however, he turned to the highest act of life, and bowed in reverential worship. His words were of the profoundest philosophy. He recognized that man is more than the things he gathers about him. His beginning and his ending are in nakedness. Discerning the hand of the Lord in bane as well as in blessing, he lifted to Him, out of the midst of dire calamity, the sacrifice of praise. Thus the adversary's lie in the council of heaven was disproved.