Job's children are central figures in the biblical narrative of the Book of Job, which is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament. The account of Job, a man renowned for his piety and righteousness, is set in the land of Uz. Job's children play a significant role in the unfolding of the events that test Job's faith and integrity.

Family and Wealth

Job was a man of great wealth and status, described as "the greatest man of all the people of the East" (Job 1:3). He had ten children: seven sons and three daughters. The sons are not named in the text, but the daughters are later named in Job 42:14 as Jemimah, Keziah, and Keren-happuch. Job's children enjoyed a life of prosperity and comfort, often gathering for feasts in each other's homes. "His sons used to take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them" (Job 1:4).

The Calamity

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Satan challenges Job's righteousness, suggesting that Job is faithful only because of his prosperity. God permits Satan to test Job, but not to harm him physically. In a series of devastating events, Job's children are killed when "a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people, and they are dead" (Job 1:19). This tragedy is part of the larger series of calamities that befall Job, including the loss of his wealth and health.

Job's Response

Despite the overwhelming grief and loss, Job's response is one of profound faith and submission to God's will. He mourns deeply but does not sin or charge God with wrongdoing. "Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: 'Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD'" (Job 1:20-21).

Restoration and Legacy

The account of Job concludes with his restoration. After Job's trials and his dialogues with friends and God, the LORD restores his fortunes. Job is blessed with more than he had before, including a new family. "The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than the first" (Job 42:12). He is given another set of ten children, again seven sons and three daughters. The daughters are noted for their beauty and are given an inheritance alongside their brothers, which was unusual in the cultural context of the time (Job 42:15).

Job's children, both those lost and those born after his restoration, symbolize the themes of suffering, faith, and divine justice that permeate the Book of Job. Their account serves as a testament to the trials of faith and the hope of restoration through God's sovereign will.