Topical Encyclopedia Family:Job, a man described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), was a patriarch residing in the land of Uz. He was blessed with a large family, which was considered a sign of divine favor and prosperity in ancient times. Job had ten children: seven sons and three daughters. His sons were known to hold feasts in their homes on their respective days, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them (Job 1:4). This practice indicates a close-knit family that valued fellowship and celebration. Job's role as a father was marked by spiritual diligence and concern for his children's spiritual well-being. After each cycle of feasting, Job would rise early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for each of his children, thinking, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts" (Job 1:5). This act of intercession highlights Job's deep commitment to God and his desire to maintain the spiritual purity of his household. Possessions: Job was a man of immense wealth, which was measured in terms of livestock and servants, as was customary in the ancient Near East. His possessions included "7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very large number of servants" (Job 1:3). This extensive wealth made him "the greatest man of all the people of the East" (Job 1:3), signifying not only material abundance but also social status and influence. The livestock mentioned in the account reflects the economic activities of the time, with sheep providing wool, camels serving as transportation and trade animals, oxen used for plowing and agriculture, and donkeys for carrying loads. Job's wealth was a testament to his industriousness and God's blessing upon his endeavors. Despite his vast wealth, Job's character was marked by integrity and righteousness. He was known for his generosity and care for the needy, as he later recounts his acts of charity and justice, saying, "I rescued the poor who cried out for help, and the fatherless child who had no one to support him" (Job 29:12). Job's stewardship of his possessions was aligned with his fear of God and his commitment to living a life of moral excellence. Trials and Losses: The narrative of Job takes a dramatic turn when he is subjected to severe trials. In a series of calamities, Job loses his livestock, servants, and, most tragically, his children. These losses occur through a combination of natural disasters and human violence, orchestrated by Satan with God's permission to test Job's faithfulness (Job 1:6-19). Despite the profound grief and loss, Job's response is one of worship and submission to God's sovereignty. He 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 response underscores Job's unwavering faith and his recognition of God's ultimate authority over all aspects of life. Restoration: In the conclusion of Job's account, after enduring intense suffering and maintaining his integrity, God restores Job's fortunes. The LORD blesses the latter part of Job's life more than the former, granting him "14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys" (Job 42:12). Job also receives seven more sons and three more daughters, with his daughters noted for their exceptional beauty (Job 42:13-15). Job's restoration is a testament to God's faithfulness and the rewards of steadfast faith. His account serves as an enduring example of perseverance, righteousness, and the mysterious workings of divine providence. Subtopics Job: A Man Who Lived in Uz: Complaints of, and Replies by his Three Friends To Job: A Man Who Lived in Uz: Death of Job: A Man Who Lived in Uz: Fortitude of Job: A Man Who Lived in Uz: Later Blessings and Riches of Job: A Man Who Lived in Uz: Replied to by God Job: A Man Who Lived in Uz: Riches of Job: A Man Who Lived in Uz: Righteousness of Job: A Man Who Lived in Uz: Submission of, to God Job: A Man Who Lived in Uz: Trial of, by Affliction of Satan Job: A Man Who Lived in Uz: Visited by Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar As Comforters Related Terms |