Resumo de Job - The Bible

The Book of Job: Why do the righteous suffer?

The biblical book of Job addresses a question that is as old as
humankind? Why do good people suffer? Another question that is closely
related is why do bad people often seem to go unpunished and actually
prosper?

Some early Israelite philosophy found a direct correlation between
goodness (or righteousness) and prosperity. If one lived a good life,
he or she looked for God's blessings. If one lived a life of
disobedience to God's law, suffering and punishment were probably
lurking around the bend. These issues are addressed in a biblical book
that many believe is among the oldest of all Scriptures: the Book of
Job.

In the prologue of Job, a heavenly scene is depicted as all the
heavenly being present themselves before the throne of God. The satan
is also present, having come from his wanderings on the earth. God asks
if Satan has seen Job, a man who is righteous in the eyes of the Lord.
Satan indicates that he has seen Job, and he believes God's number one
servant is only righteous because of God's continual blessings. Satan
asks permission to test his theory by bringing calamities upon Job and
his family. Satan expects Job will curse God.

God allows Satan to oppress Job in every way, except physically, and
soon Job loses his children, livestock and all his possessions. Job is
distraught, but he does not curse God. Satan then receives permission
to strike Job with physical illness. Soon, Job is covered with boils
from head to toe. Still he refuses to curse God and die.

Job receives visits from friends who attempt to console him. However,
they really come to accuse Job of wrongdoing and only make matters
worse. Still Job remains faithful, despite all his sufferings and
inability to understand why God is punishing him in this manner.
Finally, after Job has remained faithful throughout all his
persecutions, God blesses him with more children, livestock and
possessions. In fact, Job is now wealthier than he was before.

Job never realizes that he predicament came as a result of an agreement
between God and Satan. He knew that he had not sinned against God and
was only receiving his just desserts for his actions. Even though he
did want to die and be done with all his suffering, he endured the
trials and was blessed.

This writing actually challenges the ancient Israelite belief that only
evil people suffer and only the just are rewarded. Job's story has
provided inspiration for many people who have endured suffering in
their lives.

Resumos Relacionados