Bible Study Guide: Job Volume 1: Ancient Words Bible Study Series

By Andrew J. Lamont-Turner

In the ancient account of Job, witness a story of unimaginable suffering, relentless questioning, and unwavering faith. Job, a righteous and prosperous man, faces a series of inexplicable tragedies that shatter his life and test the limits of his faith. As he grapples with the depths of despair and the weight of existential questions, Job's journey explores the human condition and the nature of suffering.

 

Amidst heated debates and challenging dialogues with his friends, Job wrestles with the age-old question: Why do the righteous suffer? Through his relentless pursuit of answers and unyielding trust in God, Job embarks on a profound spiritual journey that challenges the boundaries of his faith and reshapes his understanding of the divine.

 

Through the pages of this book, experience the raw emotions, the gripping dialogues, and the profound insights that emerge from Job's tumultuous journey. Be captivated by the timeless themes of suffering, wisdom, and the mysteries of God's ways. Ultimately, witness the transformation of a man who emerges through the crucible of suffering with a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and a renewed sense of hope.

 

This book is a timeless exploration of the human experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives, grapple with the complexities of suffering, and find solace in the assurance that faith and resilience can prevail even in the darkest moments. Journey alongside Job as he navigates the depths of despair and emerges with a newfound understanding of life's deepest mysteries.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew J. Lamont-Turner
• Release date: May 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224460915

Andrew J. Lamont-Turner

Andrew Lamont-Turner is a theological scholar, author, and Bible teacher who has dedicated his life to pursuing theological knowledge and disseminating spiritual wisdom. With a profound understanding of the scriptures and a passion for teaching, Andrew has emerged as a leading voice in the field of theology. His extensive academic qualifications and love for God and his family have shaped him into a multifaceted individual committed to nurturing spiritual growth and intellectual exploration. Academic Journey: Andrew's academic journey reflects his thirst for theological understanding. He holds a Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Theology (Honours), Master of Theology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology. These qualifications represent years of rigorous study and a commitment to excellence in his field. Furthermore, Andrew's intellectual curiosity extends beyond theology, as he also possesses a Bachelor of Education (Honours) and several Postgraduate Certificates in various commercial fields. This interdisciplinary approach has enriched his perspective and broadened his ability to connect theological principles with everyday life. Teaching and Writing: Andrew's knowledge of theology has been expressed through his teaching and writing endeavours. As an educator, he has inspired countless students through his engaging lectures and insights into the scriptures. His ability to distil complex theological concepts into accessible teachings has garnered him a reputation as an exceptional communicator. In addition to his teaching, Andrew is a prolific author who has published several books and a comprehensive Bible study series. His books delve into various aspects of Christian theology, offering insights, practical guidance, and thought-provoking reflections. With meticulous research, clear exposition, and a genuine desire to bridge the gap between academic theology and everyday faith, Andrew's writings have touched the lives of many, nurturing their spiritual growth and deepening their understanding of God's Word. Pastoral Leadership: Living his faith ensures Andrew takes his Pastoral Leadership very seriously. He is the Pastor of a community church in rural South Africa, where he ensures the flock entrusted to him by God is well-fed and looked after.

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Introduction to this Study

This study comprises questions based on the various verses of Scripture taken from the Book of Job.

Part 1 of this study explores the background information of the book, for example, who wrote it, when, to whom, why, and other aspects of the book.

Part 2 consists of the verse-by-verse study of the book. Each chapter will have questions that need to be completed to help you retain the information you studied in that chapter.

Part 3 (Found in Volume II) is the Knowledge Check for both volumes of the Book of Job.

After all the chapters have been studied, there are true, false, and multi-choice questions to test your knowledge of this book.

Suppose you are using the ebook version of this study. In that case, it is advisable to have a notebook handy to record the answers to the questions. Additional space may also be required to work through the test your knowledge questions.

Answering the questions is not a race. Careful thought should go into writing down the answers, specifically the life application of these questions and their answers.

Engaging in a Bible Study suggests that the reader recognises their need to understand Scripture and the depth of wisdom that follows knowing and understanding God and His ways. This is a spiritual journey, and it takes time as you investigate the verses, their meaning as the writer intended them to be, and their life application. Ensure prayer precedes each step of the way, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you and opening your heart and mind to the knowledge of God.

This study matters as it might apply to your life’s reality. In other words, this study considers the Book’s Theology and other principles derived from the book within a framework that makes it easier to apply principles to our daily lives. This study is not a commentary, and although specific information about each book is provided, this study does not engage in textual criticism.

PART 1: Book Information

Book Title

Rather than being named after its author, this book, like many others in the Old Testament, is named after its central character, Job. While there is no definitive evidence to confirm that Job wrote the book, it remains plausible that he could have been its author.

The name Job translates to hated or much persecuted. This might reflect the view of his friends, who witnessed his unwavering perseverance through immense suffering. The Book of Job carries his name in the Hebrew Bible, the Greek Bible (Septuagint), the Latin Bible (Vulgate), and the English Bible.

Literary Type

The Book of Job is a rich tapestry of at least three distinct literary forms: a lawsuit, a lament, and a controversy discourse. These forms are all encompassed within the broader category known as wisdom literature. As a genre, wisdom literature plays a unique role within the Old Testament canon. It applies the foundational covenant revelation given through Moses to the significant issues of human existence, specifically addressing life outside the uniquely theocratic context of Israelite history. This distinctive approach sets the Wisdom books apart from the other Old Testament writings.

In terms of its thematic focus, the Book of Job can be described as a theodicy—a justification of God's ways in the universe. Another fitting classification for the book's genre is wisdom debate, which aptly captures its structural elements and substantive themes. This term reflects the deep exploration and discussion of wisdom that permeates the text.

Due to the diverse subgenres in its text, many scholars are reluctant to pinpoint a single predominant subgenre for the Book of Job. This book resists easy classification into any specific literary genre. It has been considered an epic, a tragedy, and even a parable; however, a closer examination reveals that it is none of these, despite containing elements common to all these forms. Some suggest that the author of Job created a novel literary form with this work.

Throughout the book, lyrical poetry conveying significant emotions is extensively employed to fulfil the author's primary goal: educating readers about religious truths. In this way, the book can be seen as didactic, with some viewing it primarily as educational poetry.

The Book of Job is an extraordinary example of how nearly every type of literature found in the Old Testament is woven into a single narrative. Within its pages, one can identify elements classified as adages, riddles, hymns, laments, curses, and poems of a lyrical nature. This rich blend of literary forms highlights the book's complexity and multifaceted approach to exploring significant themes.

The Book of Job stands out within the Bible for its extensive vocabulary and numerous unique words. In fact, it contains more singularly occurring words than any other biblical book. Job is the only book in the Old Testament with more than 100 hapax legomena—words that appear nowhere else in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Understanding the genre of the Book of Job is similar to viewing the Olympics as a grand event comprising various sports. Each sport, while part of the larger category, has its own rules and standards for conduct. Similarly, different literary forms in the Bible convey messages uniquely, with distinct expectations. For instance, though basketball and soccer involve a ball and quick movements, they cannot be played by each other's rules. The same principle applies to musical instruments: a violin is played differently from a piano or drum, and each produces a distinct sound. Reading the Psalms' poetry as if it were a historical account would miss its emotional and vivid imagery, despite both types of writing expressing human experiences with God.

If all the poetry in the Old Testament were compiled, its volume would surpass that of the entire New Testament. This highlights the richness and diversity of biblical literature, with the Book of Job being a prime example of this complexity and depth.

Writer

The author of the Book of Job is not explicitly mentioned within the text, and the ancient Hebrews were divided on its authorship. Consequently, many scholars from various backgrounds have proposed different theories regarding who wrote the book. Closely reading the text has led many to believe it was written by a single author. However, some suggest that another individual may have later added a few small touches under divine inspiration (e.g., Job 42:16-17).

Job himself, from the time of the patriarchs, is often considered the most likely candidate, though some scholars have suggested Elihu as an alternative. These individuals appear to be the most probable of the main characters to have documented Job's experiences and preserved them for posterity.

Using the third person does not rule out Job as the author, as in many ancient texts, including non-biblical ones. These feature authors refer to themselves in the third person. The book's narrative style suggests it was written by someone who witnessed the events described. This perspective lends credibility to the book, capturing firsthand experiences and insights and reinforcing its authenticity and significant impact.

According to Jewish tradition, Moses is often considered a strong candidate for the authorship of the Book of Job. This tradition is reflected in the placement of Job after Deuteronomy in the Syriac Peshitta, suggesting a connection between Moses and the book. Moses's extensive experience in the desert and his ability to compose literary works make him a plausible author. Additionally, Moses chronicled events from the patriarchal period in Genesis, further aligning with Job's narrative style.

Solomon's attribution to other poetic biblical literature, such as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, has also led some to consider him a potential Job author. Parallels between Job and Proverbs, particularly regarding reverence for God and wisdom, add weight to this theory.

However, some researchers propose that later authors, such as Hezekiah, Isaiah, and Ezra, may have contributed to the Book of Job. John Hartley noted linguistic differences within the text, suggesting a style more akin to Aramaic than the Hebrew commonly used in Jerusalem during the Old Testament era.

These various theories underscore the complexity surrounding the authorship of the Book of Job, leaving room for continued exploration and interpretation within scholarly circles.

Certainly, the authorship of the Book of Job remains a mystery, and it is entirely plausible that none of the traditionally suggested candidates were responsible for its composition. With the age-old question still unanswered, there is merit in considering individuals who lived during the same period as Job, or even Job himself, as potential authors.

Delitzsch offers an intriguing perspective, whose insightful commentary on Job suggests that Job lived in the region south of Damascus during the patriarchal period and that the book was written during the Solomonic era. This viewpoint adds an interesting layer to the discussion, proposing a historical context for Job's experiences and the book's composition.

Remarkably, south of Damascus stands a monastery dedicated to the prophet Job, believed to be one of the oldest monasteries. This ancient site adds a tangible connection to the enduring legacy of Job and his story, further fueling the intrigue surrounding the origins of this enigmatic biblical book.

Date of Writing

Various theories have been proposed regarding the period in which the events of the Book of Job took place, ranging from the patriarchal age of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (around 2100 B.C.) to the second century B.C.

Evidence within the book suggests that Job lived during the patriarchal period. His lifespan, as mentioned in Job 42:16, mirrors those of Terah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with Job living 140 years after his trials ended. Lloyd Anderson's analysis of Job's lifespan suggests that he lived approximately 500 years before Abraham.

Job's wealth is evaluated by counting the number of animals he owned, a method also used to assess the riches of Abraham and Jacob in Genesis. The nomadic lifestyle of the Sabeans and Chaldeans mentioned in Job 1:15, 17 aligns with practices of the patriarchal era but was abandoned later. Additionally, the Hebrew word qesitah in Job 42:11, previously seen in the context of Jacob (Genesis 33:19), provides linguistic evidence supporting Job's placement in the patriarchal period.

Despite the later prohibition of certain practices by the Law of Moses, Job's actions, such as granting inheritances to his daughters alongside his sons (Job 42:15), reflect customs like those described in Numbers 27:8, further anchoring the narrative within the patriarchal era. These textual clues contribute to the ongoing scholarly debate surrounding the historical context of the Book of Job.

In Job 1:5, we discover that Job held the role of priest for his family, a duty traditionally fulfilled within the household but gradually phased out as ancient Near Eastern societies became more structured. Names such as Sheba, Tema, Eliphaz, Uz, and Job, found throughout the book, were also common during the patriarchal era. These names appear in Genesis, the Mari writings, and the Egyptian Execration texts, shedding light on life in the Near East during this period.

The use of the divine name Shaddai, rather than Yahweh, may indicate a time predating the Exodus (see Exodus 3:14-15). Scholars like Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown suggest that the Book of Job could be the oldest in the world, given its ancient linguistic features and thematic relevance.

The Septuagint, or LXX, an ancient Greek translation of the Bible, identifies Job as Jobab, the king of Edom (Genesis 36:33), implying an Edomite heritage for Job. This association adds another layer to the book's complex cultural and historical background.

The Book of Job addresses a universal human dilemma, chosen deliberately by its poet-hero from outside Israelite history. This highlights the book's timeless relevance and resonance with people of diverse cultural backgrounds, reflecting the shared struggles and questions inherent to the human experience.

The evidence suggesting that Job lived during the patriarchal period also raises questions about the book's composition date. The comprehensive retelling of dialogues as they occurred implies a composition date closely aligned with the actual events. This view has been upheld by thinkers from both Christian and Jewish traditions since ancient times.

Critics argue that oral tradition in the ancient world was precise enough to preserve stories accurately over generations, suggesting that Job's story may have been transmitted orally and then eventually recorded. While some propose that the Holy Spirit could have guided this preservation, no direct evidence supports such a claim.

During the patriarchal era, widespread literacy existed in the ancient world, challenging the notion that the book could only have been written much later due to social evolution.

Critics of the early writing theory argue that works like Job were more commonly written at a later date than the patriarchal period. However, there is also no evidence to suggest that the book was authored later. Therefore, many traditional scholars continue to favour the theory of an early date of composition, as it remains the most straightforward interpretation given the available evidence.

Contemporary scholarship, largely departing from conservative views, asserts that the Book of Job's primary text originated in the post-exilic period. At the same time, secondary additions were made later on.

However, the uncertainty surrounding the book's authorship and composition date does not hinder its significance or impact. The timeless themes, significant insights, and enduring questions raised by the Book of Job continue to captivate and challenge readers across cultures and generations. Despite the lack of certainty regarding its origins, the book's rich narrative and theological depth offer ample material for exploration, contemplation, and interpretation.

Purpose for Writing

The Book of Job explores the principles underlying God's interactions with humanity, particularly in addressing the complexities arising from His nature and how He engages with people. While other parts of the Old Testament depict God's response as correlating good with good and evil with punishment, Job's narrative presents a different dynamic.

Job's story challenges the conventional understanding of divine justice by portraying a righteous man who experiences significant suffering. This raises significant questions about how a God characterised as the epitome of love and grace could seemingly cause or permit such affliction upon His followers. The discrepancy between God's actions and His proclaimed attributes prompts a deeper exploration of His nature and the complexities of human existence.

The central theme of the Book of Job revolves around the enduring question of why the upright suffer. The narrative grapples with this enigma, devoting itself to probing the depths of human suffering in the context of divine sovereignty.

Rather than solely focusing on Job's personal anguish, the book places a significant emphasis on elucidating the ways of God. It invites readers to contemplate the broader principles and mysteries underlying divine providence, transcending Job's individual plight to encompass the universal human experience of grappling with theodicy—the reconciliation of God's goodness with the existence of suffering.

The Book of Job is a significant meditation on the nature of God's governance and the complexities of human suffering, inviting readers to wrestle with enduring questions of faith and divine justice.

The Book of Job illustrates how one man maintains his faith amid adversity and serves as a missionary text, presenting believers' suffering as an opportunity to proclaim God's sovereignty, goodness, justice, grace, and love to a sceptical world. Job's experience exemplifies this perspective, showcasing his unwavering commitment to God despite unimaginable trials.

At its core, the ultimate answer to the significant questions raised in Job lies in the suffering of Christ—a reflection of the Holy God who bore humanity's sins and endured the full force of divine wrath out of love for humanity. This sacrificial act of love, which ultimately triumphs over evil, echoes the conflict between the seed of the woman and the serpent, culminating in the defeat of evil.

The universal appeal of Job's story lies in its depiction of human suffering and the quest for meaning in the face of adversity. Nearly everyone can empathise with Job's struggles, as his experiences resonate with the shared human experience of grappling with pain, loss, and the mysteries of divine providence.

The Book of Job transcends its ancient context to offer timeless insights into the nature of suffering, faith, and the enduring hope in God's redemptive love. This message continues to resonate with readers of all backgrounds and beliefs.

The Book of Job explores the difficult questions, uncertainties, and suffering accompanying adversity. When we face hardship, it's natural to wrestle with feelings of self-pity and a desire to explain why God allows suffering. Job's story provides a poignant reflection of these struggles, offering insight into the human experience of pain and the search for meaning amidst adversity.

Suffering poses a significant challenge to the Christian faith, as it raises questions about the nature of God's justice and love. The seemingly random distribution and intensity of suffering can lead sensitive souls to question whether it can be reconciled with the attributes of a just and loving God.

The Book of Job is a pinnacle of Hebrew wisdom literature in these existential questions. Its theological depth and intellectual rigour make it one of the most intense books in the Old Testament. By delving into the complexities of suffering and divine justice, Job's narrative offers significant insights into the human condition and God's mysterious ways. Ultimately, it provides a glimpse into God's perspective on suffering and offers solace and guidance to those grappling with hardship.

Time Frame

Estimating the duration of time depicted in the Book of Job poses a challenge, as the narrative covers events from Job's life before his trial to his passing. The chapters in between focus on a relatively short period in Job's long life.

Several hints are provided within the text. Job refers to the passage of time in terms of months when describing his hardships, suggesting that his afflictions may have persisted for at least a few months if not years. The apocryphal Testament of Job even suggests seven years for Job's trials.

Job mentions a shift in the attitudes of those around him, indicating that his suffering and rejection occurred not too long ago. However, most of the text consists of conversations between Job and his friends, with no indication of significant interruptions during their time together at the city dump. While the talks may have been intermittent, the narrative suggests a relatively short duration for this primary action—perhaps a few days or weeks.

Ultimately, the precise timeline of Job's trials remains uncertain, leaving room for interpretation and speculation about the duration of his suffering and the events in the book.

Special Features

The classification of the Book of Job as historical writing or fiction remains a subject of debate among scholars. While many academics lean towards interpreting Job as a work of fiction, indications within the text suggest otherwise.

One argument against the book being purely fictional is its opening verse, which presents Job as a historical figure. This declaration mirrors the style of other verses in the Bible that establish historical events. Additionally, references to Job in other biblical passages, such as Ezekiel 14:14 and 20, treat him as real, further blurring the lines between historical fact and literary invention.

However, it's essential to consider the Book of Job's literary conventions and theological purposes. The narrative may employ fictional elements to convey deeper truths about suffering, faith, and divine providence, even if Job is a historical figure.

Ultimately, whether the Book of Job is historical writing or historical fiction may not have a definitive answer. The text's complex layers of meaning and theological significance transcend the boundaries of strict historical categorisation, inviting readers to engage with its significant themes and enduring questions regardless of its genre classification.

While Job may have been a historical figure who experienced the crisis described in the book, the author likely took creative license in crafting the narrative. The use of poetry for the dialogues, rather than prose, suggests a literary embellishment aimed at conveying deeper truths and broader implications beyond the specific historical event.

This material transformation into poetic form elevates the narrative from simply recounting a single occurrence to a significant exploration of universal themes such as suffering, faith, and divine providence. The poetic language allows for greater emotional depth and theological reflection, inviting readers to engage with the text more deeply.

Ultimately, whether the Book of Job is historically accurate in every detail or contains elements of literary invention does not diminish its significance or impact. As you suggest, the Holy Spirit may have guided the author in crafting a narrative that transcends historical facts to convey timeless truths about the human condition and God's relationship with humanity.

Understanding the Book of Job

The Book of Job has sparked extensive discussion and interpretation throughout history, with various perspectives on its purpose and message.

Many believe that God provided the book to offer insight into the age-old question of why good people suffer. This is a central theme of the book and a topic worthy of detailed exploration.

However, some scholars suggest that the text's primary objective is cultivating contrition in its readers. While this interpretation may not be as widely held, it highlights the multifaceted nature of the book's message.

A significant focus of attention