Topical Bible: Decision: Job

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The biblical figure Job is renowned for his unwavering faith and patience amidst severe trials and suffering. The Book of Job, part of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, provides a profound exploration of the themes of suffering, divine justice, and human decision-making in the face of adversity.

Background

Job is introduced as a man of great wealth and piety, living in the land of Uz. He is described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). His life is marked by prosperity, with a large family and substantial possessions. However, the narrative quickly shifts as Job becomes the subject of a celestial discussion between God and Satan. Satan challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that his faithfulness is merely a result of his blessings. God permits Satan to test Job, but without taking his life.

Decisions in Suffering

Job's initial response to his sudden and immense suffering—loss of his children, wealth, and health—is one of profound grief yet remarkable faith. He famously declares, "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 1:21). This decision to bless God in the midst of loss sets the stage for the ensuing dialogues and debates.

As Job's suffering continues, he is visited by three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—who attempt to explain his plight through traditional wisdom, suggesting that his suffering must be a result of sin. Job, however, maintains his innocence and wrestles with the apparent injustice of his situation. His decision to question and seek understanding from God reflects a deep desire for truth and vindication.

Theological Implications

Job's decisions throughout his trials highlight the tension between human understanding and divine sovereignty. Despite his friends' insistence on a retributive justice system, Job's experience suggests that suffering is not always a direct consequence of personal sin. His decision to remain steadfast in his faith, even while questioning God, underscores a profound trust in God's ultimate wisdom and justice.

In Job 13:15, Job articulates his resolve: "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will surely defend my ways to His face" . This declaration encapsulates Job's complex relationship with God—a mixture of hope, trust, and a desire for dialogue.

God's Response and Job's Final Decision

The climax of the Book of Job occurs when God responds to Job out of a whirlwind, challenging him with a series of questions that underscore God's omnipotence and the limitations of human understanding. Job's final decision is one of humility and repentance. He acknowledges his limited perspective, saying, "I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted" (Job 42:2).

Job's decision to repent "in dust and ashes" (Job 42:6) signifies a return to a posture of reverence and submission before God. This decision is met with divine approval, and God restores Job's fortunes, blessing him with even greater prosperity than before.

Conclusion

The narrative of Job offers profound insights into the nature of faith, the complexity of human suffering, and the importance of making decisions that reflect trust in God's character and purposes. Job's account serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the ultimate sovereignty of God in the lives of His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 2:3
And the LORD said to Satan, Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and eschews evil? and still he holds fast his integrity, although you moved me against him, to destroy him without cause.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 23:11,12
My foot has held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Job's Faith and Expectation
... But Job uses the language of appropriation. ... But we have the Scripture in our hands,
and are not bound to abide by the decision of any man, farther than as they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxix jobs faith and.htm

Book Five a Year of Decision. ...
... which my friends promised me there"though these considerations did affect my decision. ...
to send him at the public expense, I applied for the job through those ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book five a year of.htm

Abraham, the Man of Prayer
... the wicked city of Sodom, the home of his nephew Lot, doomed by God's decision to
destroy it ... This was a case somewhat on the line of that of Job at the close of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/iii abraham the man of.htm

Whether Judgment is an Act of Justice?
... is "able to reprove both, and to put his hand between both" [*Job 9:33 ... Hence judgment,
which denotes a decision of what is just, belongs to justice, considered ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether judgment is an act.htm

We must Strengthen the Mind against Troubles to Come...
... Again, what so difficult as to place one's decision on fixed grounds, and to despise
what one has decided to be worthless, as of no good? ... [292] Job 1:21. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxxviii we must strengthen.htm

The Excuses of Sinners Condemn God
... Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?"-Job xl.1-8. ... the whole of life
seems almost too short for me to bring my mind to this unwelcome decision. ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/v the excuses of sinners.htm

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ...
... superior to other men, this is nothing to God, by whose judgment the decision must
be ... he will contend with him he cannot answer him one of a thousand," (Job 9:2 ...
/.../chapter 12 necessity of contemplating.htm

The First Epistle.
... the case of an accused bishop, should not pronounce a final decision until, supported ...
the hand of their persecutors, in order that with the blessed Job you may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/the first epistle.htm

Moody's Anecdotes And Illustrations
... Moody Visits Prang's Chromo Establishment. Get the Key to Job. One Book at a time.
Note what Jesus Says. ... Safe in the Ark. GOLD. DECISION. "A Day of Decision.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/

False Comforts for Sinners.
... not afford him any comfort, but rather aggravated his grief, Job insisted upon ... by
his Spirit, and endeavoring to bring him to an immediate decision; they think ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xvii false comforts for.htm