JOB and the problem of suffering

The Facts (1:1-3), There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. 2 And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East.

The Conversation (1:8-12), Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” 9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” 12 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

The Tribulation With God’s permission, Satan... Took all of the oxen and donkeys; servants slain by sword (Sabean raid) (1:13-15) Burned up sheep and servants (fire from heaven) (1:16) Took all the camels, servants slain with sword (Chaldean raid) (1:17) Killed all of Job’s children (house collapse, great wind) (1:18)

Job’s Response (1:20-22), Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” 22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

Satan’s Further Challenge (2:4-6), So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” 6 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.”

Tribulation, Round 2 With God’s permission, Satan... Struck Job from crown of head to sole of foot with terrible boils (2:7) Note: After this, his wife said, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (2:8)

Job’s Response (2) (2:10), But he said to her [his wife], “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. (Note: Job’s acceptance of God’s sovereignty, and the proof of his faithfulness through his tribulation).

The Questions! Can we justify the behavior of God in His conversation with Satan, and what He allowed Satan to do to Job? Is the account of Job reconcilable with the picture of God revealed in the rest of scripture? Can a just and righteous God allow such suffering to be experienced by His children? Do we have a right to question God?

Some things to consider... First, Job is not unique. He was not treated differently than anyone else. Suffering is the lot of all men. (5:6-7; 14:1)

Job 5:6-7; 14:1 (5:6-7) (Eliphaz the Temanite), “For affliction does not come from the dust, Nor does trouble spring from the ground; 7 Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward.” (14:1) (Job), “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.”

Some things to consider... First, Job is not unique. He was not treated differently than anyone else. Suffering is the lot of all men. (5:6-7; 14:1) Second, Death is not the worst thing! (James 1:2-4) (Matthew 16:26)

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Matthew 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Some things to consider... First, Job is not unique. He was not treated differently than anyone else. Suffering is the lot of all men. (5:6-7; 14:1) Second, death is not the worst thing! (James 1:2-4) (Matthew 16:26) Third, death of Job’s family (Safe, Saved, or worthy of Condemnation) (Matthew 19:14; Philippians 1:21-24; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8)

Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Philippians 1:21-24 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Some things to consider... First, Job is not unique. He was not treated differently than anyone else. Suffering is the lot of all men. (5:6-7; 14:1) Second, death is not the worst thing! (James 1:2-4) (Matthew 16:26) Third, death of Job’s family (Safe, Saved, or worthy of Condemnation) (Matthew 19:14; Philippians 1:21-24; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8) Fourth, no, we have no right to question God, His person, His actions, or His motives! (Job 38:1-5)

Job 38:1-5 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: 2 “Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge? 3 Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. 4 Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?”

Conclusion Through Job’s suffering, God taught Satan an important lesson. He did not allow Job to be tempted or tried beyond what he was able to bear. Job’s bounty on earth was restored, and he proved himself worthy of an eternal reward! He learned not to question God... “Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it” (40:2).