Topical Bible: Obedience: Job

◄ Obedience: Job ►

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Introduction

The theme of obedience is intricately woven throughout the biblical narrative, and the Book of Job offers a profound exploration of this virtue. Job, a man described as "blameless and upright," serves as a quintessential example of obedience amidst suffering and trials. His account, found in the Old Testament, provides insights into the nature of obedience to God, even when circumstances are dire and understanding is limited.

Job's Character and Initial Obedience

Job is introduced as a man of exemplary character, living in the land of Uz. The Berean Standard Bible describes him as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). This initial portrayal sets the stage for understanding Job's obedience as rooted in a deep reverence for God. His life is marked by a consistent pattern of worship and sacrifice, demonstrating his commitment to living in accordance with God's will.

The Testing of Job's Obedience

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Satan challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that his obedience is merely a result of his prosperity and protection from God. In response, God permits Satan to test Job's faithfulness by stripping away his wealth, family, and health. Despite these severe trials, Job's obedience remains steadfast. He responds to his losses with worship, declaring, "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21).

Job's Struggle and Continued Obedience

As the account progresses, Job's obedience is further tested through intense personal suffering and the misguided counsel of his friends. They insist that his afflictions must be a result of sin, urging him to repent. Job, however, maintains his integrity, asserting his innocence and continuing to seek understanding from God. His obedience is characterized by a refusal to curse God, even when his wife suggests, "Curse God and die!" (Job 2:9). Instead, Job responds, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:10).

Job's Dialogue with God

The climax of Job's journey of obedience occurs in his dialogue with God. Throughout his discourse, Job expresses his confusion and desire for answers, yet he never abandons his reverence for God. When God finally speaks, He does not provide direct answers to Job's questions but instead reveals His sovereignty and wisdom. Job's response is one of humility and submission: "I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted" (Job 42:2). This acknowledgment reflects Job's ultimate obedience, recognizing God's authority and wisdom beyond human understanding.

Restoration and Vindication

In the conclusion of the Book of Job, God restores Job's fortunes, granting him twice as much as he had before. This restoration is not merely a reward for obedience but a testament to God's justice and faithfulness. Job's obedience, even in the absence of immediate understanding or reward, is vindicated by God Himself. The narrative underscores the principle that true obedience is not contingent upon circumstances but is an unwavering commitment to God's will.

Conclusion

The account of Job serves as a profound testament to the nature of obedience in the life of a believer. Through Job's unwavering faithfulness amidst suffering, the biblical narrative highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when His ways are beyond human comprehension. Job's life exemplifies the call to obedience, rooted in a deep reverence for God and a steadfast commitment to His will.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 1:8
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?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Job was not Without Sin.
... would not be able to obey him," since he misses even that obedience which might ... shall
no man living be justified." [517] In accordance with this, Job also asks ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 14 name was not.htm

Obedience
... Though we meet with affliction, we must go on in our obedience. The righteous shall
hold on his way.' Job 17:9. We have vowed constancy; we have vowed to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 1 obedience.htm

Job's Faith and Expectation
... distressing temptations. But in general, simplicity and obedience lead to
assurance. And ... into the ocean. But to return to Job: ". III. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxix jobs faith and.htm

Pursues the Same.
... in Job, Cap.13.) Possessour of all Vertues: It is rewarded by God for its Humilty
and Obedience, illustrating and teaching its own Guide, to whose direction it ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap x pursues the same.htm

On the Interior Man
... The ears are obedience to the faith; in the gospel: and your ears because they have ...
are the breath of faith and of the strength of the good; in Job: and the ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/vi on the interior man.htm

Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law
... over his inability; he blushes over his leprous spots; he says with Job, I abhor ...
When a man sees that he owes perfect obedience to the law, but has nothing to ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/3 1 mans inability to keep.htm

The Voice of Job.
... Our Lord teaches us that the truth, known by obedience to him, will make us free ...
If we dare, like Job, to plead with him in any of the heart-eating troubles ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the voice of job.htm

Of his Cross what Shall I Speak, what Say? this Extremest Kind of ...
... Obedience. ... Scripture saith, "Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen
the end of the Lord." [1780] When we read what great trials Job endured, it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on the creeds/section 9 of his cross.htm

Adam's Sin
... so quickly, before they were confirmed in their obedience. The angels in heaven
are fully confirmed in holiness; they are called stars of the morning, Job 38:8 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 adams sin.htm

They who have Committed a "Sin unto Death" are not to be Abandoned ...
... So he armed holy Job the more after he wounded him, who, with his whole body covered
with sores, endured indeed the bite of ... But why do I commend his obedience? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiii they who have.htm