Job
Gentile Man of the land of Uz (not described as an Israelite) · Creation & Patriarchs · Old Testament
- Role
- Righteous sufferer of the land of Uz
- When
- Uncertain; often placed in the patriarchal age
What they did
A perfect and upright man who lost his children, wealth and health, yet did not curse God. After long discussion with his friends, God answered him from the whirlwind and restored him twice as much.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
His story shows God's sovereignty and goodness in suffering, and his confession 'I know that my redeemer liveth' is a hope for every believer. He is held up for patience (James 5:11).
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Job 19:25 (KJV)
Bible references
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. Job 1:1 (KJV)
And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21 (KJV)
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Job 19:25 (KJV)
And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10 (KJV)
Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD. Ezekiel 14:14 (KJV)
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:11 (KJV)
Family
- Spouse(s)
- Unnamed wife
- Children
- Seven sons and three daughters; later Jemima, Kezia, Keren-happuch and seven sons
- Brothers / sisters
- Brothers and sisters (unnamed)
Lived 140 years after his restoration (Job 42:16).