Intro - Authenticity not a mythical illustration

1. From the world:

   1. "Tomorrow, if all literature was to be destroyed and it was left to me to retain one work only, I should save Job." (Victor Hugo)

   2. "...the greatest poem, whether of ancient or modern literature."    (Tennyson)

   3. "The Book of Job taken as a mere work of literary genius, is one of the most wonderful productions of any age or of any language."    (Daniel Webster)

2. OT

         Ezekiel 14:14 (NASB)

Even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves,” declares the Lord God.

3. NT - James 5:10-11 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

4. NT - 1 Cor. 3:19 quotes from Job 5:13 - For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness”                                 Romans 11:35 quotes from Job 41:11 - who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? - Acts 17 (as though He needed anything

Who wrote Job?

Many possibilities but most likely Moses, Joshua, Job, possibly even Solomon from earlier scrolls

When? 

Time of Job - Pre Mosaical - no Sabbath day observance - paternal sacrifice offerings

Purpose of the book

Outline

1. JOB’S DISTRESS (1-3)

   1. HIS PROSPERITY (1:1-5)

   2. HIS ADVERSITY (1:6-2:13)

   3. HIS PERPLEXITY (3)

2. JOB’S DEFENSE (4-37)

   1. THE FIRST ROUND (4-14) 3 Friends and reply

   2. THE SECOND ROUND (15-21) 3 Friends and reply

   3. THE THIRD ROUND (22-37) 3 Friends and reply

   4. YOUNG ELIHU SPEAKS (32-37) no reply

3. JOB’S DELIVERANCE - Enlightenment (38-42)

   1. GOD HUMBLES JOB (38:1-42:6)

   2. GOD HONORS JOB (42:7-17)