1. survey of the Bible

2.  Job is unique among the other OT books in that it is not Jewish-centric  no mention of Abraham, the Law of Moses, the temple, Jewish history, prophecies  likely during Patriarchal period – father interceded for his family (1:5)(Heb. 1:1-2)  instead, deals with universal human condition  why do we suffer? does God care?

3.  summary of chapters  God, Satan, and Job (ch. 1-2)  Job’s discussion with his three friends (ch. 3-31)  the speech of Elihu (ch. 32-37)  the address of God (ch. 38-41)  Job’s restoration (ch. 42)

4.  causes of suffering  punishment from God for sin? (4:7-8; 5:17) ▪ not necessarily (Heb. 12:5-6, but Lk. 13:1-5)  natural consequences, mortality, chance, Satan ▪ (Eph. 6:1-3)(Heb. 9:27)(Eccl. 9:11)(Job 1:6-12)  regardless, always cause to repent, grow (Lk. 13:5)  reaction to suffering (6:8-10; 10:1-3; 19:23-27)  was despondent, yet approved (42:1-9)(1:20-22) ▪ see also (Rom. 8:23-28)

5.  patience, trust in God’s goodness and wisdom  the Lord is compassionate and merciful, and will reward the faithful (James 5:11; 1:12)(42:10-17) ▪ (Heb. 11:6)(Lk. 11:11-13)  sometimes the path to His intended end is known by God alone, and we are left to trust ▪ (Ezek. 14:19-23)(Rom. 9:20-24)(2 Tim. 1:12)

6.  Job gives us a remarkable insight into God’s relationship with man and the spiritual reality of our sin and suffering  while we cannot know for sure the source of trials and temptations, we can know that regardless, God wishes for our good, and Satan our harm 2 Pet. 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.