God’s Estimation of Job
It is important that prior to dissecting the text, a common foundation is established. Without this foundation, it becomes almost impossible to understand what the book of Job is telling us. As stated earlier, a lot of people have opinions of Job; however, the only opinion that matters is God’s. I want to establish God’s evaluation of Job first.
In Job 1 during the discussion between God and Satan, God stated in Job 1:8
8And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Right from the beginning, God labels Job a servant. To be called a servant by God is quite different than what most may call a servant. When God calls one a servant, it denotes one that serves the purpose and will of God. It is an individual that has consistently surrendered their will to God’s will.
Next God stated that there is none like Job in all the earth. God places Job in a class by himself. Job had achieved a standard of faith that no one else at that particular time had achieved. God then gives a basis for this appraisal. Job is perfect, this refers to a level of maturity. ‘Perfect’ comes from the Hebrew word tom (H8535). It means that one is complete, morally innocent, having integrity. It is an individual who is morally and ethically pure. This is a significant thing to state about Job and it is coming from God.
Also of significance, the very first thing stated about Job, Job 1:1.
1There 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.
Within the first eight verses of the Book of Job, Job is put in a class of people very few will achieve in a lifetime. No where else in the Bible is any individual given such high praise in the beginning of a book. This is coming from God. It ought to make us realize the significance of what is being stated. Instead of looking for fault, people should be admiring Job as an example to follow.
As far as God is concerned there is not one individual as spiritually mature as Job. That includes all of Job’s friends and detractors. This should cause one to question, why are so many giving Job advice? None of these individuals received the praise that Job did from God. Using God’s evaluation for a basis, these people had no business advising Job or accusing Job of various sins. Continuing on that line of reasoning, it should cause us to question other individuals through history and even today that seem to know Job’s faults. Possibly, they are no better than those that accused Job. One ought not be too quick to condemn what God commends.
Further, God stated that Job is an upright man. This refers to his spiritual walk. Job is not slacking where many would. Job is walking the straight and narrow path. Job fears God. To fear God is something few of us do in a biblical sense. Job fears God in that when God speaks forth, Job trembles at the thought of not complying immediately. Job’s very nature is to ensure that he submitted to God’s word even before the request came forth.
Finally, God stated that Job eschews evil. This is probably something many of us struggle with, but not Job. Job will avoid evil. He stays as far from evil as possible. Paul describes this in 1 Corinthians 14:20.
20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
To be considered a child in malice means that an individual has no understanding. All too often, believers know more about evil than they should. Job would walk away at the slightest hint of evil. He would not even look at it. If he saw it coming, Job would cross the street to get as far away as possible. This is Job, quite the man of God. And remember, God is stating this. God gives no reason for Job to be chastised.
When God said these things it was prior to any of the mishaps that were to occur. In Job 2, God and Satan are talking and God tells Satan in Job 2:3
3And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
This is very similar to what God stated in Job 1:8 prior to any of the events. Furthermore, God stated that Job holdeth fast to his integrity. This means that Job maintained his standard. This is different from many, who seem to change for the worse when things go bad. They will complain, they would possibly backslide committing sins they would not ordinarily have done. Not Job. Whether things are good or bad, he is consistent. That is God’s appraisal of Job.
Furthermore God makes it clear that He had no issue with Job. God clearly stated that there was no cause. This should make it clear to the reader that Job did not sin. One should stop and consider that possibly more is occurring than many have assumed. This will be explained later in the book.
At the end of the book in Job 42, God is speaking once again. Twice God will make a statement that should clear Job’s name forever; however, many seem to miss it or do not fully understand the ramifications, Job 42:7-8:
7And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. 8Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
God was angry with Job’s friends. He clearly told them that unlike Job, their understanding of God was incorrect. Twice God commends Job and condemns his three friends. Job did not commit an error in doctrine or cause confusion. Now Job did do something that God speaks to him about, but that will be discussed later. Furthermore, God tells Eliphaz and his friends to perform a sacrifice and have Job pray for them. God clearly stated that he will accept Job’s prayer as an intermediary, Job 42:9.
9So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.
God accepts Job’s prayer for his friends; that in itself should indicate to people that Job was in right standing with God. However, people fail to see this and instead come up with all sorts of sins Job never even thought to commit.
If one is to understand this book and benefit from it, they have to accept God’s opinion over that of the multitude of others. When one does that, the book will start to open up and a vast amount of knowledge and wisdom will come forth.
One last thought about Elihu, who speaks for six chapters and is outright vicious towards Job. God does not mention his name, nor does God provide a pathway for forgiveness.
Job is quite the man of God in God’s eyes. It is about time that we align with God. Exodus 23:2.
2Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:
It is time to stand with the majority of one, God Himself.
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