Israel's wisdom, poems and songs
The books from Job to Song of Songs are called wisdom books. They talk about relationships, money, love, sex, creation, suffering, God, prayer and many other matters. The speakers notice patterns in life. They also notice times when those patterns aren't followed. They ask many questions about how life in the world works. They offer several answers to these questions. These wisdom books teach human beings how to live well. The way to live well is respecting God and obeying him.
Most of the wisdom books are recorded as poems and songs. Some of the poems and songs are to other people. Some of them are to God. The poems in the book of Psalms are prayers and songs to God. The speakers of the poems and songs are honest about what they think and feel.
The wisdom books talk about things that were recorded in the books about Israel's covenant history. The wisdom books were used by God's people all throughout those times and after them.
Job
What is the book of Job?
Job is a book of Israel's wisdom, poems and songs. It asks many questions about suffering and offers some answers. It does this through a story about Job and speeches by Job, his friends and God. Most of the book is written as long poems.
The story of Job took place in the times when Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived. It took place east of the land of Israel.
It isn't known who wrote the book of Job or when it was written down.
Who was this book written for?
For the people of Israel.
Why was Job written?
To explain different ways that people suffer.
To show that God has more power and authority than anything or anyone else. To show that God makes life possible for everything he created.
To give an example of someone remaining faithful to God when they are suffering.
Main ideas
Suffering happens for many different reasons. It can't be explained only as the result of someone's sin.
Human beings can't fully understand God and his actions. They can trust that he loves everything he created and does good for his creatures.
God tests human beings. Tests can show if a person is truly committed to God.
Outline
Job is blessed with success (1:1–5).
Job is tested (1–2).
Speeches by Job, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar (3–31).
A speech by Elihu (32–37).
Speeches by God (38:1–42:6).
Job is blessed with success again (42:7–17).