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Bible Dictionaries
Job (2)
People's Dictionary of the Bible
or Job, Book of. This is an historical poem, as is shown by the narrative prologue and epilogue in prose. Some ascribe its authorship to Moses in Midian, others bring it down to the age of Solomon. It is written in pure Hebrew, and shows intimate acquaintance with both Egyptian and Arabian scenery and usages. Its theme is the problem of evil, why the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper in this world. After the outbreak of Job's despair, chap. 3, there are three series of controversies, in which each of Job's friends makes an address, to which Job replies—save that in the 32d series Zophar is silent. Chaps 4-26. Then Job makes a closing address to all three, 27, 28, followed by a striking soliloquy, 29-31. Elihu utters four discourses, 32-37, after which Jehovah speaks out of the whirlwind, 38-41, and Job is humbled and yet vindicated. The best critics of every age count this poetical book as one of the immortal master-pieces of genius. Carlyle said that "there is nothing written of equal literary merit." But it is no less estimable for its religious and ethical worth, setting forth as it does the being and perfections of Jehovah, the apostasy and guilt of evil spirits and of mankind, the sovereignty of divine providence, the mercy of God on the basis of sacrifice and penitence, the disciplinary nature of his people's sorrows, the wisdom of submission to his will, and the assurance, in view of his infinite power and wisdom, that all shall be well with his followers in the end. The Book of Job may be better understood by reading it in the Revised English Version.
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Rice, Edwin Wilbur, DD. Entry for 'Job (2)'. People's Dictionary of the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/rpd/j/job-2.html. 1893.
