Luther called it ‘magnificent and sublime as no other book of Scripture’. Calvin preached 159 sermons on it during 1554-1555. Joseph Caryl gave 424 lectures on it over 24 years.
- it is mostly poetry but still historical – see Ezekiel 14:14, 20; and his age in Job 42:16; and his being his own priest in Job 1:5.
- Suffering and the goodness of God.
- Lucretius: Had God designed the world, it would not be A world so frail and faulty as we see.
- this is raised in Habakkuk; Jeremiah 12:1; Psalm 73; the suffering of Christ. For the Christian, God works all things for good (Rom.8:28). Here are a few ways: tests (Job; 1 Pet.1:6-7); leads to gospel growth (Phil.1:12-14); chastens us for sin (Heb.12:5-11; Ps.119:71); deepens compassion and sympathy (2 Cor.1:3-7); humbles and sanctifies us (2 Cor.12:7-10); provides an opportunity for God to reveal His works (John 9:3).
- Job is blessed.
- 1:1-3. Job lived in the land of Uz, in Edom as Lamentations 4:21 implies. In the Old Testament, blessing was more often expressed in material terms.
- Job is blameless.
- 1:1, 4-5. The picture is one of happiness and piety. Job is aware of the dangers of sin. James 5:1 -. Job will be pummelled but will be steadfast.