Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative of Job, the theme of servanthood is explored through various characters, including the servants of Job himself. While Job is depicted as a righteous and faithful servant of God, his own servants are portrayed in a contrasting light, particularly during the trials that befall him. The account of Job's servants provides insight into the nature of wickedness and unfaithfulness, serving as a foil to Job's steadfastness.Context and Background Job is introduced as a wealthy and upright man, "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). He is blessed with a large household, including numerous servants who manage his extensive livestock and property. The narrative quickly shifts to a heavenly council where Satan challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that his faithfulness is due to his prosperity. God permits Satan to test Job, leading to a series of calamities that strip Job of his wealth, children, and health. The Role of Job's Servants The servants of Job play a crucial role in the unfolding of his trials. In Job 1:14-15, a messenger arrives to inform Job of the first disaster: "a messenger came to Job and reported, 'While the oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you.'" This report highlights the vulnerability and ultimate demise of Job's servants at the hands of external forces, emphasizing the suddenness and totality of Job's losses. In Job 19:16, Job laments his isolation and the betrayal he feels from those around him, including his servants: "I call for my servant, but he does not answer, though I implore him with my own mouth." This verse underscores the theme of unfaithfulness, as even those who were once under Job's authority and care have turned away from him in his time of need. The servants' failure to respond to Job's call reflects a broader abandonment and highlights the depth of Job's suffering and alienation. Theological Implications The depiction of Job's servants as wicked and unfaithful serves to contrast with Job's unwavering faithfulness to God. While Job's servants fail him, Job remains steadfast in his devotion, refusing to curse God despite his immense suffering. This contrast underscores the biblical principle that true servanthood is characterized by faithfulness and integrity, even in the face of adversity. Moreover, the narrative invites reflection on the nature of human relationships and the potential for betrayal. Job's experience with his servants serves as a reminder of the fallen state of humanity and the propensity for individuals to act in self-interest, particularly when faced with trials. It also highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God, who is the ultimate master and judge of all. Conclusion The account of Job's servants as wicked and unfaithful provides a poignant backdrop to the account of Job's perseverance. Their actions, or lack thereof, serve to highlight Job's righteousness and the depth of his trials. Through this narrative, the Bible presents a powerful message about the nature of true servanthood and the call to remain faithful to God, regardless of the circumstances. Nave's Topical Index Job 19:15,16They that dwell in my house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. Nave's Topical Index Library Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Letter viii. To Demophilus, Therapeutes. About Minding Ones Own ... Auxentius on the Giving up of the Basilicas. How Saints May Help the Devil Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. The Motives to this Oversight A Little Sanctuary Covenanting Confers Obligation. The Third Book The Figurative Language of Scripture. Resources What does it mean to be a servant of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is servant evangelism? | GotQuestions.org What is a bondservant / bond-servant? | GotQuestions.org Servant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Servant: Bond by the Roman Centurion Servant: Bond used As Soldiers by Abraham Servant: Bond: An Abandoned Sick Man Servant: Bond: Bond Service Threatened, As a National Punishment, for the Disobedience of Israel Servant: Bond: Bought and Sold Servant: Bond: Captive Bondservants Shared by Priests and Levites Servant: Bond: Captives of War Became Slaves Servant: Bond: Children of Defaulting Debtors Sold As Servant: Bond: David Erroneously Supposed to be a Fugitive Slave Servant: Bond: Defaulting Debtors Made Servant: Bond: Degrading Influences of Bondage Exemplified by Cowardice Servant: Bond: Emancipation of Servant: Bond: Equal Status of, With Other Disciples of Jesus Servant: Bond: Freedmen Called "Libertines" Servant: Bond: Fugitive, not to be Returned to his Master Servant: Bond: Hagar, Commanded by an Angel to Return to Sarah (Sarai), Her Owner Servant: Bond: Kidnapping Forbidden Servant: Bond: Kindness To, Commanded Servant: Bond: Laws of Moses Concerning Servant: Bond: Must be Circumcised Servant: Bond: Must Enjoy Religious Privileges With the Master's Household Servant: Bond: Must Have Rest on the Sabbath Servant: Bond: Onesimus Interceded For, by Paul Servant: Bond: Owned by Priests Servant: Bond: Rights of Those Born to a Master Servant: Bond: Slaves Owned Slaves Servant: Bond: Sought by Shimei Servant: Bond: Taken in Concubinage Servant: Bond: The Master Could Marry, or Give in Marriage Servant: Bond: Thieves Punished by Being Made Servant: Bond: Voluntary Servitude of Servant: Good of the Roman Centurion Servant: Good: Servants in the Parable of the Pounds and the Parable of the Talents Servant: Hired: Await Employment in the Marketplace Servant: Hired: The Father of the Prodigal Son Servant: Hired: The Laborers of a Vineyard Servant: Hired: The Rebellious Son Servant: Hired: Treatment of, More Considerate than That of Slaves Servant: Hired: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servant: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful in the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Pounds Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful in the Parable of the Vineyard Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Abimelech Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Abraham and Lot Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Absalom Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Amon Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Joash Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Job Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Shimei Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Ziba Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Gehazi Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Jeroboam Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Onesimus Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Zimri Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) Servant-girls (12 Occurrences) Fellow-servant (6 Occurrences) Brother-servant (2 Occurrences) |