Job, Book of: 1. A great diversity of opinion exists as to the authorship of this
book. From internal evidence, such as the similarity of sentiment
and language to those in the Psalms and Proverbs
(Psalms 88:1; 89:1) the
prevalence of the idea of "wisdom," and the style and character of
the composition, it is supposed by some to have been written in the
time of David and Solomon. Others argue that it was written by Job
himself, or by Elihu, or Isaiah, or perhaps more probably by Moses,
who was "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and mighty in
words and deeds"
(Acts 7:22) He had opportunities in Midian for
obtaining the knowledge of the facts related. But the authorship is
altogether uncertain.2. As to the character of the book, it is a historical poem, one of
the greatest and sublimest poems in all literature. Job was a
historical person, and the localities and names were real and not
fictious. It is "one of the grandest portions of the inspired
Scriptures, a heavenly-repleished storehouse of comfort and
instruction, the patriarchal Bible, and a precious monument of
primitive theology. It is to the Old Testament what the Epistle to
the Romans is to the New." It is a didactic narrative in a dramatic
form. This book was apparently well known in the days of Ezekiel,
B.C. 600
(Ezekiel 14:14) It formed a part of the sacred Scriptures used
by our Lord and his apostles, and is referred to as a part of the
inspired Word
(Hebrews 12:5; 1 Corinthians 3:19)
3. The subject of the book is the trial of Job, its occasion, nature,
endurance, and issue. It exhibits the harmony of the truths of
revelation and the dealings of Providence, which are seen to be at
once inscrutable, just, and merciful. It shows the blessedness of
the truly pious, even amid sore afflictions, and thus ministers
comfort and hope to tried believers of every age. It is a book of
manifold instruction, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, and for instruction in righteousness
(2 Timothy 3:16)
It consists of:
a. An historical introduction in prose (ch. 1-2)
b. The controversy and its solution, in poetry (ch. 3-42:6) Job's
desponding lamentation (ch. 3) is the occasion of the
controversy which is carried on in three courses of dialogues
between Job and his three friends.
1. The first course gives the commencement of the controversy
(ch. 4)
2. the second the growth of the controversy (15-21) and the
third the height of the controversy (22-27).
3. This is followed by the solution of the controversy in the
speeches of Elihu and the address of Jehovah, followed by
Job's humble confession
(Job 42:1-6) of his own fault
and folly.
c. The third division is the historical conclusion, in prose
(Job 42:7-15). Sir J. W. Dawson in "The Expositor" says: "It
would now seem that the language and theology of the book of
Job can be better explained by supposing it to be a portion of
Minean [Southern Arabia] literature obtained by Moses in Midian
than in any other way. This view also agrees better than any
other with its references to natural objects, the art of
mining, and other matters."
