The Patriarch Job was given high praise by James when he wrote, "Behold, we call them blessed who endureth: ye have heard of the patience of Job" (James 5:11). The New Testament word for "patience" (hupomone) describes "the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings" (Thayer, p. 644). Ezekiel places Job in the company of Noah and Daniel (14:14, 20).
Job was plunged from heights sublime to the trash pile overnight. His possessions were destroyed or stolen in less than a day. The Sabeans took away his oxen and donkeys and then killed his servants. Lightening slew seven thousand sheep and their shepherds. The Chaldeans stole three thousand camels and killed the servants caring for them. Finally, the whirlwind killed his seven sons, three daughters, and the servants (1:13-19). "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly" (1:22).
Next, Job's body was inflicted with boils on top of boils, from his head to the sole of his feet; maggots ate his flesh; he was skin and bones; in excruciating pain; experiencing terrible nightmares; and wondering what he had done to deserve all this. He cursed the day of his birth and longed for the day of his death. Yet, Job was steadfast in his integrity toward God and blessed His name throughout his calamity and vexation.
Job's wife turned her back on God and urged her husband to "renounce God, and die" (2:9). Her life spared, she became a tool for Satan. Who has greater influence over a husband than a wife? Satan could not kill Job (2:6), but if he could get Job discouraged enough to take his own life; Satan would "win." Job chides his wife for even thinking, let alone speaking, such a thing.
Having heard of Job's affliction, three of his friends come "to mourn and comfort him" (2:11). Job's friends have a theory that all suffering is punishment for sin. Therefore, since Job is suffering, he must be a grievous sinner. Each friend tried to prove this assertion, but Job knew that he had not grievously sinned and thus defended his innocence. This only made his friends more adamant and vindictive. Job listened to their arguments, but was not impressed.
Job thought God was persecuting him (19:2-3, 22) although he did not know why. "Behold, He will slay me; I have no hope: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before Him. This also shall be my salvation, that a godless man shall not stand before Him" (13:15-16). When Job could not get his "day in court" to defend his innocence, he questioned God's justice and wondered why the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper. To ask, "Why me, Lord?" is human. However, to blame God and turn one's back on Him is wrong.
Job never realized it, but he was suffering because of his innocence. The book that bears his name teaches that one may never realize why he suffers. Then again, it is not necessary to know why. Endurance, steadfastness, and faithfulness in the midst of trials and tribulations are the need of the hour. It was these attributes that Job manifested, making this his finest hour.
- Biblical Insights, November 2007