Faithful on Fridays Blog

There’s an age-old question that asks, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” In the book of Job four men try to help a friend answer that question by simply saying, “Bad things happen to bad people and good things happen to good people.” True? No, so the question remains.

In the Hebrew divisions of the Old Testament Job is considered part of the Writings undoubtedly because its a drama. I love drama and Job is growing on me as I’m learning to better understand it.

Job may be the oldest recorded book of the Bible, author unknown, and gives us insight into the purposes of God, especially in suffering. The meaning of his name gives us our first revelation; Job comes from the Hebrew word meaning object of hostility and hatred, as an enemy. That’s not good. We find that same word used by God when he spoke to Satan:

“And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike His heel.” Genesis 3:15

Satan hates us, those born of of a woman, because the Savior of the World would come from her. He tried to kill the Messiah but Jesus will eventually crush his head, his authority.

Job lived in the land of Uz, probably northern Arabia, where he would’ve heard the message of Yahweh from one of the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob. He was quite wealthy and a family man of high moral character who trusted in God. His sons took turns giving a Saturday night party along with their sisters and we know where that can lead. Job, as a good father, went to God every year to offer an animal’s blood to cover their sin just in case they got out of control. I get that.

Since we know that Satan hates Job we can better understand why the writer included this scene when the angels and Satan check in with God; not a conference call but a face to face. Think about it. Where are they? Possibly the second heaven (2 Cor. 12:2) where it seems progress reports are discussed and assignments given out. Getting stretched yet?

Satan, whose name means adversary and prosecutor, reported that he’s been patrolling and studying his opponents: mankind. Here’s where things get sticky; God shines the spotlight on His servant, Job. This is the opening scene that introduces the reader to the main story. “Of course Job’s life is perfect,” answers Satan, “You’ve hedged him in with Your blessings. Remove the hedge and he’ll renounce you.” God responds to the challenge by saying loosely, “OK, take your best shot.” That assignment is played out in 42 chapters as Job works his way through his limited understanding of who God is.

I think we all come to that place eventually trying to answer that hard question why believers suffer. Stay with me as we consider the book of Job.