Part 1 of 7 of the theme 'Lessons from the Bible book of Job' by Gijs van den Brink
The book begins with a discussion in heaven between God and Satan. This is followed by three series of discussion between Job and his friends. His friends claim that Job's suffering must have been caused by sin. In the course of these discussions, the believer resignedly changes Job's attitude. First he accuses his friends of judging him and then he accuses God as well. He has three basic complaints. 1. God does not hear me (13:3,24; 19:7; 23:3-5; 30:20). 2. God punishes me (6:4; 7:20; 9:17). 3. God allows the wicked to prosper (21:7). Even today, you often hear the same questions. Why doesn't God listen to me? Why doesn't God do anything?
How did things turn out for Job? And what is the answer he gets from God?
In the first two chapters known only to the reader, Satan is active: he brings all kinds of disasters into Job's life. In the following chapters in the discussions between Job and his friends, Job's suffering is attributed to God. So something is revealed to us as readers, which Job and his friends do not yet know. And that is that although God gave permission, Satan is the causer of the suffering.
The book of Job makes it clear that there is more going on than we humans know. Behind the scenes, in the heavenly realms, a battle is going on and we hardly know anything about it. Job's friends think they have the explanation at hand, but God's ways are unfathomable.
The book of Job gives insight into the power of evil. However, God in heaven is able to deal with this evil. Here shines through as something of what is clearly revealed later in the book of Revelation: the great dragon, the old serpent, who is called devil and Satan, is cast to earth and still later into the lake of fire and brimstone (Rev. 12:9; 20:10). God reckons with evil, including the evil that befell Job.
Next time: Who or what is actually being tested in the book of Job?
Also see: Part 6 of 6 of the theme 'Lessons from Revelation 8 ': Western belief in progress and corona crisis
Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine
This is part 1 of 7 concise blog on the topic "Lessons from the Bible Book of Job" from Study Bible Magazine, Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!
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