Job 1:1-5 |Thus Job Did Continually

Recently my daily Bible reading practice brought me to the book of Job.

This Old Testament book deals with suffering.

We all experience suffering. Some more than others.

What is striking in this book is the steadfastness of Job’s faith in God throughout his immense suffering.

How could Job refrain from turning away from God in the face of significant loss? Even as friends and family, encouraged him to curse God or confess a sin he had not committed?

The opening verses are key in answering this question.

Job 1:1-5 | Read the Passage

1There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually. [1]

Job 1:1-5 | Verse One

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.[2]

To be blameless is to be innocent and free from guilt or blame.

Conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue is the definition of being upright.

Based on verse one, what enabled Job to be blameless and upright? (Also see, Genesis 17:1 and Psalm 119:1)

What does it mean to fear God? (See Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10)

How does turning away from evil reveal one fears God? (See Proverbs 16:6)

Job 1:1-5 | Verses Two and Three

There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. [3]

Traditionally, the number three is symbolic of perfection and completion. The number seven is symbolic of spiritual perfection.

What is the cultural significance of mentioning how many sons and daughters Job has? (See Genesis 1:28 and 9:1)

He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east.[4]

Describe the extent of Job’s wealth and influence according to verse three.

Job 1:1-5 | Verses Four and Five

His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.[5]

The phrase “on his day” may show these feasts were birthday celebrations or simply that they would each take turns hosting a family gathering.

How close are Job’s children based on verse four?

And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually. [6]

What is Job’s concern in verse five?

Review what burnt offerings were used for in Leviticus 4:1-5:6.

Job 1:1-5 |Thus Job Did Continually | Review

Describe how seriously Job takes his role as a spiritual leader for his family.

Why is the order of the content in the first five verses of Job important?

As the book proceeds, Job will lose not only all his herds suddenly but also all ten of his children. In addition, his own physical health deteriorates to the point his friends barely recognize him.

Yet, throughout the book, Job receives recognition for not cursing God and avoiding sin.

20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. [7]

How could Job refrain from turning away from God in the face of significant loss? Even as friends and family, encouraged him to curse God or confess a sin he had not committed?

It is clear from these opening verses that Job’s faith in God was firmly grounded.

Does he question God sending his suffering? Absolutely.

But never does he doubt God’s sovereignty.

Consider his statement to his wife when she encouraged him to curse God:

Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. [8]

Job 1:1-5 |Thus Job Did Continually | Application

What helps you keep your focus on your relationship with the Lord instead of your circumstances?

How do you intercede on behalf of your family or friends with the Lord?

When you face suffering, is your first response to worship the Lord like Job did? Why or why not?

How might you use this post to encourage someone else today?

Blessings,

Barbara Lynn


[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Job 1:1–5.

[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Job 1:1.

[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Job 1:2.

[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Job 1:3.

[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Job 1:4.

[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Job 1:5.

[7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Job 1:20–22.

[8] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Job 2:9–10.

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