698. JOB 1:1-3. HIS MORAL EXCELLENCES AND PROSPERITY. [NO. I.]

Job_1:1-3. His Moral Excellences and Prosperity. [No. I.]

History of Job

"There 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," &c.’97Job_1:1-3.

Few parts of the word of God have exercised the controversial powers of theologians more than the Book of Job.

It has been disputed whether we are to consider it a real narrative, or a poetical allegory.

Then, the writer of the book has also been elaborately discussed, as well as the country and age in which Job lived.

It would not be profitable to give even a summary of these controversies; and to do this in a condensed form, would occupy several discourses. We purpose, therefore, rather to give what we believe to be the truth as to the illustrious person under consideration.

Observe, then,

I. The person introduced to us in the text.

That the text is a real narrative, is manifest from the other scriptural references to him. In Eze_14:14. So also Jam_5:11. The very phraseology of the text, and the minuteness of the detail, seem to settle this beyond successful disputation.

The name itself is significant, as it means "sorrowful."

1. The place of his residence was the land of Uz.

The learned Gesenius supposes that the Hebrew word signifies a light sandy soil, and that it lay in the northern part of Arabia-desert a, a place between Palestine and the Euphrates. Dr. Goode supposes it was in Arabia Petrea, on the southwestern coast of the Dead Sea. The belief of the Arabians coincides with that of Gesenius.

2. The time when Job flourished.

Here, again, we meet with a great diversity of opinion.

It seems clear that he lived before the commencement of the Mosaic dispensation, as there is no reference in the whole book to any of the rites of that economy. It seems equally probable that he lived before the children of Israel went to sojourn in Egypt. Whether he was contemporary with Terah, the father of Abraham, or lived between the ages of Abraham and Jacob, it is difficult to determine. At any rate, we may presume that he existed about 1800 years before Christ, or about 600 years after the deluge.

The question may arise as to the author of the book.

Bishop Lowth, Magee, and Professor Lee believe he wrote it himself. Lightfoot and others ascribe it to Elihu. Kenicott, Michaelis, and Goode, ascribe it to Moses; Luther, Grotius, and others, to Solomon. Bishop Warburton attributes it to Ezra.

From the fact that Job lived 140 years after his trials’97and from the sacred learning and talents he possessed, it is most probable that he was inspired to record the incidents of his life, for the benefit of succeeding generations.

It is not improbable, as Moses spent forty years in various parts of Arabia, that he then met with it, and that it was received by him and the Israelites, as the first written of the Oracles of God.

Do not forget, then, that we have reason to believe that this is the most ancient book in the world, being more than 3,500 years old.

We now proceed to notice,

II. His worldly riches and prosperity. Now his substance did not include either land or houses; as the head of Arabic tribes only claimed the right of pasturage, and a temporary dwelling, and moved from place to place. His wealth therefore consisted of cattle, of which a summary is given; Job_1:3. It has been supposed that, at a moderate estimate, Job was worth from thirty to forty thousand pounds sterling; an immense sum for that early age of the world.

In earthly magnificence and riches, he was the greatest of all the men of the East.

Job’s wealth was evidently given him from the Lord, and did not elate him with arrogance and pride. And observe, he had a family to be co-sharers, &c.; Job_1:2. Notice,

III. His moral and religious worth.

As rich in virtues and graces, as in the abundance of his earthly possessions.

I. He feared God.

Thus exhibiting true wisdom, and the main element of godliness. He had right conceptions of the divine majesty, glory, works, and perfection. He knew his holiness, and therefore he stood in awe’97manifested reverence, and sacred veneration. Had abasing views of himself, and knew the disparity between himself and God, and there fore cherished a holy vigilance and watchfulness, as being ever in the divine presence.

2. He was perfect and upright.

Now the term perfect is not to be understood in its most absolute sense. For thus only is it to be ascribed to God,’97nor yet as involving entire innocence, for thus it applies to sinless angels and our first parents, when they came from the hands of their Creator. But the term signifies,

Sincere,’97without guile or hypocrisy’97or complete in all its parts.

A child is a perfect human being, though not mature. So Job was true, and really godly, and had the various graces which are necessary to acceptable piety. But he was also upright. He had one aim and purpose, and was guided by undeviating integrity of heart and life.

3. He eschewed evil.

Departed from evil. Fled from it. Avoided it. Cultivated personal holiness of life. It is evident he knew the evil of sin. Hated and abhorred it’97and practically turned from it.

Now, these were the principles and practice of God’s servant Job. We see these all borne out in the conduct of his life.

As a father, he was intensely concerned for the piety and welfare of his family; Job_1:4.

As a magistrate or judge, he was distinguished for stern and impartial integrity. Chap. Job_24:7, Job_24:10, and Job_24:17.

As a philanthropist or benevolent man; chap. Job_29:11.

As an humble man, he did not walk with vanity.

As free from a profane, envious, and uncharitable spirit; chap. Job_31:29, Job_31:30.

Such was the character of Job.

Application

1. What a portrait of moral excellence and beauty.

Let us gaze upon it, and admire it, and pray for grace to resemble it. "Be followers of them," &c.

2. We see the compatibility of riches with piety.

It is possible, but rare. Grace can do it; but yet even with grace, it is difficult.

Job did not trust in his riches. He employed them for the good of the poor, and to the glory of God. It is not well to desire riches. Having food and raiment, &c. Nature requires little, grace less, and sin is satisfied with nothing.

3. Job’s piety was connected with faith in the promised Messiah.

Hence, he said, "I know that my Redeemer liveth," &c. This was the root of all his moral excellency; and thus only can we be acceptable to God.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS