Introduction
The Book of Job is rich in literature. This has earned the classification as a literature masterpiece. Various authors such as Victor Hugo, Tennyson and Danny Webster, among others have praised it for works of literature. However, it is quite necessary to note that most Christians have rarely approached it in that aspect. In fact, to them, it is always an inspiration to do good deeds.
Interestingly, even though the book is ancient, it contains wonderful productions and works of literary genius. This has perplexed the world since it contains a mix of literary styles. This masterpiece is written in a poetic style. It is also considered as the first of five poetic books of the Old Testament.
These include Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Psalms and Job. Moreover, Paul (Ro 11:35) and James (Jm 5:10-11) have referred to it in the New Testament as an inspiration for patience. This authenticates the book as part of the 66 books of the Bible. In essence, this book is essential and relevant to both the world and Christians. This is because the world can draw its valuable literary works from it while Christians utilize it as inspiration to persevere and continue doing good even in tough times (Harris 45).
Dating of the book
As it has been stated above, the Book of Job is the first of five poetic books in the Old Testament. In fact, it has been commonly referred to as wisdom literature due to its contributions to it. The dating of this book has been mysterious since no specific period is provided. However, some historians have placed it in Moses’s time (pre 1500 B.C.). On the other hand, others have placed it in Solomon’s time (ca. 900 B.C.). Still other scholars have placed it in Babylonian Exile’s time (post 600 B.C.).
In essence, there is no clear date provided for the Book of Job. However, it is necessary to note that there is enough proof to show that it was actually written during the time of Old Testament. This is because Paul quotes it in his letters to both the Romans (Ro 11:35, which relates to Job 41:11) and Corinthians (1Co 3:19, which relates to Job 5: 13).
These verses prove that Job is among the books of the Bible, which were inspired by God and written at various times in history. Therefore, even though the exact date is not available, it can be placed within a period in history in reflection of the possible author (Mitchel 14).
Writer
Given that the time of Job’s life is not written as well as the date when the book was created, it is also a guess on who wrote the book. Some scholars have suggested that Solomon wrote it, others consider that Moses and others credit it to Job. On the other hand, some authors have suggested that it was written by Elihu. Still some have suggested Hezekiah, Isaiah and Jeremiah’s scribe Baruch. These arguments are based on the time it was written.
However, it is also quite important to note that historical setting of the book as this helps to identify possible writers at that time. For instance, most scholars suggest that it took place during the time of patriarchs like Abraham. If this is the case, then it was written by Moses.
On the other hand, if it happened during the time of Solomon, then Solomon would be the most likely genuine writer. Similarly, if it happened during the Babylonian exile period, then Hezekiah would be suggested. In essence, its historical placing would most likely give the writer. However, it is important to note that the book was written for inspiration. Nonetheless, it does not indicate the author for reasons that are still unknown.
Type of literature
The Book of Job is known as a masterpiece of literature. In fact, in some columns, it is referred to as literary genius. This is because of the numerous literary works utilized in its production. For instance, it contains poetry, proverbs, narrative, laws, songs, wisdom, among others. Firstly, most parts of the book are written in a poetic form through the use of songs and cycles of speech.
These works are valuable as they emphasize the use of precious literary works in ancient period. In fact, the book is among those which are considered as poetic books in the bible. Also it includes the Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs and Psalms. The other type of literature used in the book is wisdom. In fact, the book is sometimes referred as wisdom literature along with Ecclesiastes and Proverbs.
This is mainly because of the level of wisdom that is contained in the book as seen in Job’s character. The other literature type utilized is the use of a song. Job praises the Lord with songs and prayers in the book despite his sufferings. The third chapter presents Job’s poetic speeches in which he curses the day of his birth (Job 3:11‑23). This portrays poetry in the book (Most 1).
Purpose of the book
The Book of Job has a number of teachings. In fact, it brings to view the fact that life is not a free sailing even for Christians. Scholars have suggested several aims of the book. These include reasons why God allows the righteous sufferer to suffer and explain the importance of patience, true faith in God and remaining steadfast in God. However, the main aspects that are covered in this book relate to the reasons for suffering.
In essence, this book serves the purpose of asking on how righteous people should suffer. Throughout the book, it is quite evident that Job suffers without sinning. Moreover, he goes on to perseverance despite calamities and diseases brought upon him by Satan. This shows a true faith and perseverance as desired by Christians. In fact, James, the brother of the Lord, affirms this when he encourages Christians to follow the steps of Job (Jm 5:11).
In essence, the book portrays how righteousness is supposed to bare under sufferings. Most Christians usually think that sufferings only come as wages of sin. However, this is contradicted in the book. It therefore shows that righteousness is required even there is suffering. Moreover, Christians should understand that they might be called upon to pass through various temptations by the devil as a proof of their loyalty to God.
Themes
Several themes are portrayed in the Book of Job. These include the theme of perseverance, trust, punishment for sins and suffering for good, among others. The theme of perseverance is highlighted throughout the book through Job’s sufferings.
It is quite interesting to know that in spite of all sufferings that Job undergoes, he does not curse God but rather himself. Moreover, his friends and wife encourage him to curse God with telling him to repent of a sin they perceive him to have committed but Job remains steadfast in his service to God (Mitchel 26).
The theme of perseverance continues throughout the book in Job’s case. However, his wife gives up and even compels him to curse God and die. It can therefore be observed that various vessels such as Job’s wife and friends are utilized to counter the theme of perseverance. However, Job dismisses all of them and continues in his loyalty to God. In the end, Job’s perseverance is rewarded in double potion.
The theme of trust is portrayed by Job and his friends who believe in God’s ability to punish sin. This remains throughout the book. In addition, the theme of punishment for sin is elaborated by Job’s friends who perceive that he has sinned against God to suffer such calamities. However, the theme of perseverance takes its place as the main theme in the book. This is proved by James when he calls Job as a man of perseverance (Jm 5:11).
Academic issues of debate found among scholars
A number of issues have risen that divide scholars on the book. For instance, the historical placing of this book has been a big issue. While some scholars place it in the time of patriarchs, others have placed in the times of Solomon. On the other hand, some scholars have placed it in the times of Babylonian Exile. This shows the differences in placing its historical setting. However, it is important to note that most of them concur on its existence and as part of the Old Testaments.
This is mainly based on the way it was written, which resembles the other books of the Bible in introduction and conclusion. Other academic issues debated in the Book of Job include the purpose of the book. This is highly debatable because there are many purposes that could be drawn from the book. Among these are the need for perseverance, the trust in God, the ways of sufferings and others (Smith 213).
Religious use
The Book of Job has varied religious use. It has helped individuals know the tempter, Satan who works to find mistakes in God’s people. The book has various religious significances. These include its defense of absolute perfection and glory of God (1:9-11).
In fact, Job proves the Satan’s wrong in his submission to God as other Christians are expected to follow (1:20-22; 2:10). Throughout the book, Job refrains from cursing God even though he suffers great loss in possession, family and diseases. Moreover, he has no knowledge that he is under temptation.
This is proved in his admission that God gives and takes (Satan brought about all problems). The book also approves patience as a means of maintaining fidelity to God. Again, it prepares people for the coming of Christ (Job 9:33; 33:23). Furthermore, it answers man’s questions regarding suffering and its relations to both righteous and wicked people. It therefore has valuable religious teachings and use (Coogan 385)
Application today
This book is important to both Christians and the world. Christians gain valuable inspiration on perseverance and the rewards expected for maintaining fidelity to God. Christians are therefore taught to serve the Lord with absolute reverence, as this is essential in ensuring a full loyalty. Moreover, the blessings associated with fidelity are overwhelming as seen in Job’s blessing at the end of his sufferings.
The Book of Job also teaches Christians that life is not a free sailing. In fact, those who serve God faithfully are tried to be swayed away by the Satan. For instance, in Job’s case, he offered sacrifices on behalf of his family to cleanse them from sins. However, the Satan wanted to test his loyalty to God in different situations as well as in sickness. He triumphed against the Satan and God blessed him with double praise.
Today, Christians are encouraged to believe in Christ and love one another. In many occasions, the devil will tempt their resolve to love one another through arguments and malice among others. However, they are to show their fidelity by loving one another despite any conditions (Kraft 1).
Conclusion
The Book of Job is highly influential in Christians’ life. This is mainly because it encourages them to believe no matter what situations occur. This book is the first of five poetic books of the Bible. It contains valuable literature works that have amazed the world given the ancient origin. The book does not indicate its author or the time when it has been written. However, its historical evidence is confirmed in the New Testament. Moreover, Elihu is considered to be from the family of Ram, which is relevant in Abraham’s time.
The book portrays various types of literature and themes, which include wisdom, narratives, poetry, law and others. On the other hand, it includes belief in life after death, belief in the need for mediator (Christ), perseverance and trust and so on. Job trusted in God so much as to perseverance throughout all his afflictions. The book teaches Christians to persevere in both good and bad times. Moreover, it teaches people to conquer the reality of sufferings in the world with this faith irrespectively of being righteous or not (Copeland 1).
Works Cited
Coogan, Michael. A Brief Introduction to the Old Testament. Oxford: Oxford Press, 2009. Print.
Copeland, Mark. The Book of Job – A Study Guide. 2009. Web.
Harris, Stephen. Understanding the bible (7th Ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2003. Print.
Kraft, Robert. Job, from The holy Bible, King James version. 1995. Web.
Mitchel, Stephen. The Book of Job. New York, NY: Harper Perennial, 1992. Print.
Most, William. The Book of Job. 2003. Web.
Smith, James. What the Bible Teaches about the Promised Messiah. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1993. Print.