JOB

JOB 1

JOB LOSES HIS FAMILY + LIVESTOCK 

Job was a wealthy and prosperous man living in the land of Uz who loved God and lived in a way that was blameless and upright. He had seven sons and three daughters, as well as a huge household staff. Job’s home was one of feasts and parties and merriment. Each day, Job would offer a sacrifice to God as a sin offering in case any of his children sinned accidentally. Job was very faithful and diligent. 

After introducing Job, the story shifts to a conversation between God and one of His adversaries, Satan. Satan believes that Job is only faithful because God has blessed him with an abundant life. 

God does not inflict suffering upon Job but allows Satan to test him. Satan does this by sending fire and wind, killing all of his children and livestock. Job’s most valuable possessions, the ones Satan accused him of loving more than God, were gone completely. In this time of desperation, Job responds with incredible humility; he does not sin due to his losses and does not blame or curse God, but instead worships. Job trusts God and honors His authority to both give and take away. 

JOB 2

JOB LOSES HIS HEALTH 

Satan's next test against Job threatens his health and leaves him covered in painful boils. Job is miserable, having now lost everything including his well-being. Job’s wife blames God and wants Job to curse God for causing his loathsome life, but Job remains faithful. 

Job has three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who travel to meet him in his time of mourning. For the first seven days, Job’s friends are respectful of Job’s suffering and sit with him in silence. 

JOB 3

JOB SPEAKS AFTER SEVEN DAYS OF SILENCE 

After seven days of silent suffering, Job curses the day he was born, regretting his life and longing for death. Job laments his turmoil, claiming he is too miserable to rest. 

Job 3:25: For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me.

JOB 4 + 5

ELIPHAZ RESPONDS TO JOB 

Eliphaz, Job’s friend, attempts to share his experience with Job but does not give encouraging advice. Eliphaz insinuates that Job brought all this trouble on himself because those who are righteous are rewarded and those who are wicked and sinful suffer.  

Instructing his friend not to despise the discipline of God, Eliphaz blames Job’s actions for his misfortune. Eliphaz believes that God always operates with justice, meaning that Job somehow got what he deserved and needs to repent.  

JOB 6

JOB DEFENDS HIS INNOCENCE 

Job responds to Eliphaz, defending himself and telling Eliphaz that he is innocent. Job believes that his suffering is not caused by God’s wrath. 

Job expresses his desire to die, knowing he has not been unfaithful or disobedient to God. Job questions Eliphaz, asking him what he could have possibly done to deserve this miserable life.  

JOB 7

JOB EXPERIENCES MISERY DAY + NIGHT

Job expresses his misery and pain, describing his life as hopeless with no relief. Throughout the day, Job is suffering and in pain, receiving no relief at night when he is also uncomfortable and tormented. He wonders why God would allow this to happen to him and asks what he has done to deserve his misery.   

JOB 8

BILDAD SPEAKS HIS MIND

Another of Job’s friends, Bildad, offers his perspective on Job’s situation. Like Eliphaz, Bildad believes that God operates out of strict justice. Bildad claims that the death of Job’s children must have been a rebuke for their transgressions. 

Bildad argues that God would not reject a blameless man and cause this much strife for someone without sin. Bildad believes that no good can come to someone who turns away from God. 

JOB 9

JOB RESPONDS TO BILDAD 

Job replies to Bildad, providing truth about God and his character. Job knows that God is faithful to the righteous, although he wonders how someone can be righteous before God in a broken world. Although Job is a faithful person, he cannot be completely without sin compared to God’s perfection. Job says that he needs an arbiter, or someone to stand between him and God, to settle his sin. Job sees his need for a savior long before the life of Jesus!  

Job believes that his friends' views of God are too limited and that none of them can comprehend God’s vastness and power. Job argues that because God created the universe, he can trust that God knows best how to rule it.

JOB 10

JOB QUESTIONS HIS PURPOSE

Job continues in his response to Bildad, as well as praying and pleading to God. Job knows that God is his creator, but questions his purpose as his life has deteriorated. 

Job describes his gloom as a thick darkness over his life. Job experienced depression and despair, but continues to trust God and remain faithful in his doubt and concern. 

JOB 11

ZOPHAR SHARES HIS OPINION 

As Job’s friends speak to him, each offers a harsher opinion of Job’s fate. Job’s friend Zophar now offers his opinion. Zophar rebukes Job for claiming to be upright and blameless and believes that Job is getting less judgment from God than he deserves, saying that the evil are short-lived. 

Zophar tells Job that if he repents, God can restore his health and his blessings. Although Zophar understands God’s response to repentance and mercy, he blames Job for his unfortunate reality. 

JOB 12

JOB REMAINS FAITHFUL AMIDST DOUBT 

Job responds to Zophar, declaring that he has become the laughingstock of his friends for attempting to live in righteousness and ending up in suffering. 

Throughout Job’s responses, his emotions fluctuate drastically, shifting from praising God to wishing for death. Job remains faithful, but contemplates his doubts and confusion with God. 

JOB 13

JOB WISHES TO PLEAD HIS CASE BEFORE GOD 

Job continues to respond to Zophar saying that he is confident in his relationship with God, wanting to stand before Him and plead his case. Job does not understand what God is doing and why he is suffering, but continues to place his hope in God. 

JOB 14

JOB CONTEMPLATES HIS FLEETING LIFE 

Job continues in his response to Zophar. Job’s words are similar to those of the book of Ecclesiastes as he contemplates his short and fleeting life. Job reflects on the vapid nature of humanity and acknowledges that death awaits everyone. He cannot comprehend how his suffering could affect God's greater plans and dwells on his own misfortune. 

JOB 15

MORE THEORIES FOR JOB’S SUFFERING

Each of Job’s three friends responds to Job again, offering up more theories about his suffering. First, Eliphaz accuses Job of making worthless arguments and pointless observations. Eliphaz continues to argue that Job has caused his suffering through sin and that his grief is a sign of distrust in God. 

JOB 16

JOB CALLS OUT HIS FRIENDS

Job replies to Eliphaz, calling out his miserable attempt at support or encouragement. Job’s friends do not bring comfort to him in his time of need, but instead, they literally add insult to injury. 

Job wrestles with the idea that God is the source of his pain. Job is feeling defeated and confused, but remains faithful and does not turn to violence or disobedience.  

JOB 17

JOB BEGINS TO LOSE HOPE

Job continues to respond to the poor guidance of his friends, but begins to lose hope. Job describes darkness as his bed and worms as his family. Job sees his future as darkness and dust, feeling hopeless and broken in spirit. 

JOB 18

BILDAD CONTINUES TO BLAME JOB

Bildad responds again, arguing that God punishes the wicked and that Job is not the exception to the rules. Bildad casts blame on Job, saying he walked into a trap that he set up himself. Job’s friends are neither empathetic nor compassionate to Job’s situation and don’t consider his input. 

JOB 19

JOB CLINGS TO HIS REDEEMER 

Even in horrible circumstances, Job believes that God is his redeemer and claims that his redeemer lives and will stand upon the earth!

Job reflects on his previous wealth and success compared to his now bleak situation. He describes this change as being stripped of glory and having the crown taken from his head. Little does Job know that one day his redeemer will be stripped of his glory in heaven and given a crown of thorns. Job’s faithfulness in suffering foreshadows the humility and faithfulness of Jesus. 

Job’s story is a reminder that God never promised bad things won't happen to good people. Instead, it points to the life of Jesus, the best person who suffers the worst death. 

Job 19:25 - I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 

JOB 20

ZOPHAR CONTINUES TO BE A DISCOURAGING PRESENCE 

Zophar responds to Job a second time, still convinced that the wicked will suffer for their sin. Zophar does not encourage Job but instead accuses him of greed and selfishness, saying the wicked will always suffer because of their pride and wrongdoing. 

JOB 21

JOB CHALLENGES HIS FRIEND’S BLACK + WHITE THINKING

Job responds by asking why some of the wicked live to reach old age and grow mighty in wealth and power. Job disputes Zophar’s argument by pointing out that sometimes the wicked do succeed and that good things often happen to bad people. While Job’s friends think only in terms of black and white, he sees the nuance in different situations.

JOB 22

ELIPHAZ CONTINUES TO INSULT JOB

Eliphaz speaks for the third time, arguing that Job needs to come to terms with his wickedness. Eliphaz assumes Job distrusts God’s judgment or justice system and encourages Job to simply agree with God’s decision and be at peace with his fate. 

Not only does Eliphaz insult Job’s character, but he also demeans his relationship with God.

JOB 23

JOB REAFFIRMS HIS TRUST IN GOD

Throughout Job’s many responses, he consistently argues that God is not punishing him out of fairness or justice. Job questions God’s presence and purpose in his suffering, but Job is still faithful and trusts God’s power and sovereignty.

Job believes that God does what He desires and that He has appointed Job in a unique role to establish His purposes. 

JOB 24

JOB CONTINUES TO ARGUE HIS CASE

Job continues his response to Eliphaz and empathizes with the poor and needy who never receive the justice of their oppressors. Job responds to the claims of Eliphaz by pointing out that many injustices go unpunished. 

Job compares wickedness to a broken tree, the same device that Jesus would later die upon in response to the wickedness of the world. 

JOB 25

NO ONE IS RIGHTEOUS 

Bildad responds to Job, claiming that no one can be righteous before God and that even creation is broken compared to God’s perfection. 

JOB 26

MANKIND CANNOT COMPREHEND GOD’S MAJESTY

Job responds to Bildad with the observation that mankind cannot understand or fully comprehend God's vast majesty and power. Job realizes that God’s perspective is far larger than his own and claims that he can only grasp a whisper of God’s thunderous power. 

JOB 27

JOB DECLARES HIS FAITHFULNESS TO GOD

Job resolves that his faith and integrity towards God will remain unwavering. Job declares that as long as he has breath and the spirit of God within him, he will not speak falsehood or utter deceit. Even in his misery, Job clings to righteousness.

JOB 28

THE SOURCE OF WISDOM 

Job continues his response towards Bildad, focusing on his search for wisdom. Job values wisdom highly, claiming it is more valuable than gold and pearls. More importantly, Job knows that God is the true source of wisdom. 

JOB 29

JOB MISSES FEELING CLOSE TO GOD 

After Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar each speak multiple times, Job makes his final remarks toward his defense. Job recalls his life before his suffering and describes his righteousness and generosity. More than he misses his old way of life, he misses the closeness he felt with God. Job says that the prime of his life was when he felt God’s closeness and friendship. 

JOB 30

JOB LAMENTS GOD’S SILENCE 

Job worries that his pain will never subside and questions the reasons for his awful circumstances. Job makes assumptions about God’s reasoning and character. Job cries out to God, but hears no reply, leaving him feeling lonely and hopeless. 

JOB 31

JOB BARGAINS WITH GOD

Job bargains with God, listing off all the ways he potentially could have sinned and landed himself in these circumstances. Job experiences desperation and confusion around his situation and pleads with God for an answer.

JOB 32

ELIHU JOINS THE CONVERSATION 

Another man, Elihu, was nearby, raging with anger over the comments of Job’s friends. Because he was younger and unknown to the men, he waited to offer his opinion to Job and the three friends. Elihu rebukes Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, and argues that they did not have an intelligent response or rebuttal to Job’s claims.

JOB 33

ELIHU REBUKES JOB

Elihu also rebukes Job for trying to justify his righteousness. Elihu tells Job that sometimes God speaks in ways that he cannot perceive. 

JOB 34

ELIHU SPEAKS OF GOD’S JUSTICE 

Elihu speaks of God’s justice, saying that He can do no wrong. Elihu rebukes Job again, telling him that God would not treat him wickedly or cause him harm without purpose. Elihu reminds Job that God does not delight in righteous people’s suffering. 

JOB 35

ELIHU CONDEMNS JOB

Elihu brings up the idea that neither sin nor righteousness affects God’s position of righteousness. Elihu condemns Job, telling him that his words are empty and meaningless. Elihu finds Job’s assumptions of God offensive and tells him that God does not hear his empty cries.  

Similar to the words of Job’s friends, Elihu’s advice is confusing because parts of his advice contain truth, while others do not. It is important to note that although all of Scripture is inspired by God’s spirit, not every word is meant to be taken out of context or read as words spoken by God. 

JOB 36

ELIHU CLAIMS TO SPEAK ON GOD’S BEHALF 

As Elihu continues, he claims to be speaking on God’s behalf and arrogantly describes himself as perfect in wisdom. Elihu continues to enthusiastically praise God for his greatness and might and notes that because of God’s authority over the earth, His ways are incomprehensible. 

JOB 37

ELIHU’S FINAL WORDS

In Elihu’s final words, he proclaims God’s majesty and power, claiming that Job cannot comprehend God’s motives or reasons. Elihu pleads with Job, wanting him to acknowledge God’s wondrous works beyond his understanding. 

JOB 38

JOB HEARS FROM GOD

After hearing from Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and Elihu, Job gets a response directly from God. 

God questions Job, asking him if he knew how the world worked, from creation to the galaxy to the seas. God is in control of the light and the darkness, something Job has no knowledge of or authority over. God uses His vast creation to show Job that there is much he will never understand or govern. 

Job 38:4 - Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.

JOB 39

GOD DESCRIBES THE INTRICACIES OF HIS CREATION

God continues to describe the many aspects of the universe and His reign over them, reminding Job that his perspective is very small compared to God’s. God shows Job the scope of His greatness and power, detailing intimate knowledge of His creation. 

JOB 40

GOD EMPHASIZES HIS AUTHORITY 

God asked Job if he could argue with His authority, and Job repented, unable to answer God. Job promises to remain silent, not questioning God’s power or motive again. 

God uses Behemoth, a giant ox-like creature, as an example of his might. Job could not handle an animal of Behemoth’s size and strength, but God created and sustained him with ease.  

JOB 41

ALL THINGS IN CREATION ARE UNDER GOD’S AUTHORITY 

God continues, this time using Leviathan, a powerful coiled sea monster, as an example. To Job, Leviathan would be terrifying, but God is able to subdue him with a simple fishhook.    

All things in creation, even powerful and destructive forces, are under God’s authority. 

JOB 42

GOD RESTORES JOB’S FORTUNE

After hearing from God, Job repents and confesses God’s dominion. Job acknowledges that God can do all things and that God is too wonderful to fully understand. 

God confronts Job’s friends, telling them they have spoken of God incorrectly. Because Job was faithful and consistent even in his suffering, God tells Job that what he has believed about God has been correct. God allows Job to say a prayer and provide an offering to atone for the ignorance of his friends. 

Not only does God restore Job’s previous fortune, but He doubles it! Job’s life, although filled with trials, ends with prosperity, longevity, and happiness. God is so good! 

Job 42:10 - And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.