1. AUTHOR. — Not known. Some think Job was the author, some Moses, some an in habitant of the south of Palestine.

2. DATE. — Not known. Some think earlier than the time of Moses; some, later than the Babylonian exile. Many think it belongs to the time of Solomon.

3. LITERARY CHARACTER. — Chapters 1, 2 give in prose an account of Job's wealth and losses. The rest of the book, except a few verses at the close, is a discussion in poetry between Job and four others about the relation of suffering to the conduct of the sufferer, followed by an address by the Almighty. Though the five men named may have actually uttered what is attributed them, we need not so suppose, but only that one man wrote the book.

4. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To show that it is not a satisfactory view to suppose that all suffering is sent as a punishment for special sins, nor that afflictions are always for chastisement; but that the Creator is competent to rule the world aright; that his wisdom in providence is incomprehensible to man; and that man's proper attitude is one of trust and confidence.

5. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

Part I. Account of Job's wealth and afflictions, Ch. 1, 2.

Part II. Discussion by Job and three friends, Ch. 3–31.

Part III. Speeches by Elihu, Ch. 32–37.

Part IV. Addresses by Jehovah, Ch. 38– 46:6.

Part V. Job's restored prosperity, Ch. 46: 7-17.

6. RELATION TO OTHER O. T. BOOKS. — The Pentateuch offers rewards for righteous conduct; Job asks why the righteous suffer. The historical books show how men were punished for sin; Job asks why the wicked are not always punished. The prophets teach that God cares for, defends and corrects his people who fear him; Job questions the fact. It is a discussion of religious principles, rather than a presentation of them. Many passages in the book are similar to those found in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Psalms and Proverbs.

7. FACTS TO BE NOTED. — There are indications of an advanced state of civilization; the views of Job's three friends and of Elihu are often held now. These views were incorrect, and are not presented as the teachings of the Bible. Care should be used in taking proof texts from this book. While erroneous opinions are expressed in it, the book as a whole teaches the truth.