God Was in Complete Control of Job's Circumstances

This book begins by examining the two occasions when Satan and the "sons of God" presented themselves in heaven before the Lord. A brief explanation will be offered at that time concerning the use of the term "sons of God" and what it has meant in other places in the Bible, especially in Genesis 6:2 and Genesis 6:4. From there, the discussion will show how people can know that Job actually lived and when he had probably lived. The point will even be made that some theologians believe that Moses might have been the author of the book of Job.

Next, the visit to Job by his three friends will be considered. Their comments about him and their suggested reasons for his problems will be presented. During those discussions, one will be able to see a definite shift in Job's attitude to where he began to break out of his discouraged, depressed state. Contrary to what many people might think, it will become clear that his friends may have actually contributed to his overall improvement even if their remarks had not been very favorable. In hindsight, they may have been the perfect way out for Job, as is described by I Corinthians 10:13.

One of the keys of this book is to show that it is all right and not sin to question when things go wrong in one's life for no apparent reason. To that end, four questions, which Job had asked and also which shows how he had viewed his situation as hopeless, will be discussed. Following that, three important questions that many people might have about Job's overall testing will be discussed. The first is why the Lord allowed his friends to criticize him. The second is how Job could have ever been satisfied again knowing that his original children had been pawns in Satan's hands. Then the third questions looks at why Job had repented at the end of his time of testing, even though the Bible does not say that he had done anything wrong.

The last part of this book will show that God was in complete control of Job's circumstances. It will also talk about the lessons that a person can learn from Job's testing. The conclusion is that studying the book of Job provides many lessons for the person who is living for the Lord.

There is one note, however, to be made with respect to the organization of this text before concluding this Introduction. Something that the reader might find useful is boxes throughout that show the different passages that are being referenced at the times and in the places where they are being referenced. That way, he or she will not have to jump all over the place or get into or out of the scriptures to locate a particular reference. Hopefully that inclusion will help the reader in trying to understand the various events and to also quickly put them into their right context. So it is hoped that that addition will make this text easier to read and that the Lord will receive the praise, honor, and glory that He rightfully deserves.