Overview:
(NET) The book presents many valuable ideas on the subject of the suffering of the righteous. Ultimately it teaches that one must submit to the wisdom of the Creator. But it also indicates that the shallow answers of Job’s friends do not do justice to the issue. Their arguments that suffering is due to sin are true to a point, but they did not apply to Job. His protests sound angry and belligerent, but he held tenaciously to his integrity. His experience shows that it is possible to live a pure life and yet still suffer. He finally turns his plea to God, demanding a hearing. This he receives, of course, only to hear that God is sovereignly ruling the universe. Job can only submit to him. In the end God does not abandon his sufferer
Ob and In:
1. Repeated words: He is a perfect, righteous man.
Job (NET) The name “Job” is mentioned by Ezekiel as one of the greats in the past—Noah, Job, and Daniel (14:14). The suffering of Job was probably well known in the ancient world, and this name was clearly part of that tradition
blameless (NET) has been translated “perfect” (so KJV, ASV). The verbal root תָּמַם (tamam) means “to be blameless, complete.” The word is found in Gen 25:27 where it describes Jacob as “even-tempered.” It also occurs in Ps 64:5 (64:4 ET) and Prov 29:10. The meaning is that a person or a thing is complete, perfect, flawless. It does not mean that he was sinless, but that he was wholeheartedly trying to please God, that he had integrity and was blameless before God
upright (NET) the word יָשָׁר (yashar, “upright”) is complementary to “blameless.” The idea is “upright, just,” and applies to his relationships with others (Ps 37:37 and 25:21).
one who feared God and turned away from evil (NET) These two expressions indicate the outcome of Job’s character. “Fearing God” and “turning from evil” also express two correlative ideas in scripture; they signify his true piety—he had reverential fear of the LORD, meaning he was a truly devoted worshiper who shunned evil.
He had a lot of blessings:
7 sons, 3 daughters...His possessions included 7000 sheep, 3000 camels...in addition he had a very great household (NET-he had a very large body of servants)...Thus he was the greatest of all the people in the east
2. Now, more information about his family:
His sons and daughters had good familiar relationships.
a feast in the house of each one in turn (NET) The point is that they feasted every day of the week in rotation.
Job would send for them and sanctify them (NET) The idea here is that Job would send for them, because the sanctification of them would have consisted of washings and changes of garments as well as the sacrifices (see Gen 35:2; 1 Sam 16:5).
3. Now, more information about his sanctifications:
v.5b he would get up early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job thought, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s customary practice.
he would get up early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. (NET) Job here is exceptional in his devotion to the duty. The passage shows the balance between the greatest earthly rejoicing by the family, and the deepest piety and affection of the father.
cursed (NET) in their festivities they may have said things that renounced God or their interest in him. Job feared this momentary turning away from God in their festivities, perhaps as they thought their good life was more important than their religion.
Summary and reflection: The author had given us the head start that Job was not punished because of his sins. He lived to please God and man. He feared God and stayed away from evil. Not only he enjoyed the riches and blessings of live, he also cared about the spiritual lives of his family. He brought his family to sanctify themselves just in case they have sinned in their heart. And he did that as a custom.
When the attacks from Satan came, Job must had a very clear conscious. It was not my sins that caused me to have this. But, could he be that sure? Can I be that sure? Even with the most careful living of our lives, will my heart have the slightness chance to have darkness that I can be sure of?
On the other hand, can I measure up to Job in his blameless and upright? Do I fear God turn away from evil? Do I take care of the spiritual wellbeing of my family?
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