Common Themes In The Book Of Job

A common theme in Abrahamic religions is the test of faith through trials and tribulations which typically take the form of mankind's hardships. It was widely believed that under a just god such as Yahweh, suffering itself was purely consequential of some kind of wrongdoing. Therefore, the delivery of rewards and punishments was thought to be in strict agreement with what people merited. The author's purpose seems to be none other than to challenge this ideal. He constructs the story of a man named Job, a righteous man who suffers in order for God to prove to Satan that His servant does not live by faith for selfish reasons. The book of Job covers the complexity of the role of suffering in life, but does not present a clear solution as to why

When God initially speaks, Job goes silent. The divine voice does not answer Job’s complaints directly, but instead describes the marvels of creation, pointing to natural occurrences that surpass the limits of human understanding. God’s speeches contrast Job's weakness with deific understanding and omnipotence: "Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations? (38:4)" God nears the end of his speech in chapter 40, challenging Job’s belief that he is guilty or innocent, by establishing that he is instead powerless and ignorant. “Have you an arm like God’s arm; can you thunder with a voice like his? (40:9-10)” God challenges Job, knowing Job recognizes the answer is no. As this is the case, how can Job claim to understand the workings of God? “Look on all who are proud, and bring them low, crush the wicked where they stand; bury them in the earth together, and shroud them in an unknown grave. Then I in turn would acknowledge that your own right hand could save you. (40:12-14)” The questions and challenges God issues to Job are all rhetorical, done purely to make the point that God is not on the same plain of life as a human, and therefore man, who has an entirely mortal perspective, cannot rightfully judge His