Canonicity and Authenticity of the Book - The traditional and conservative attitude toward the Book of Job is that its chief character was a living personage and the dramatized events and speeches actually took place in real life. Criticisms which regard the book as legendary and its characters as fictional are worthy of little consideration. Ezekial, who lived and prophesied 600 B.C., refers to Job as a historical figure (Ezek. 14:18-20), as does James in New Testament writings (James 5:11). The book itself delineates the righteous character of Job; from his speeches may be gleaned many brilliant diamonds which reveal him to be a man of transparent integrity, purity, humility, and faith.

Character and Purpose of the Book - The literary quality of Job is most excellent and thoroughly Semitic. The prologue (Chs. 1 - 3:2) and the epilogue (Ch. 42:7-17) are prose; all the rest is poetry of the loftiest character. Couched in dramatic and poetic imagery, many of the sublimest truths of divine revelation sparkle like nuggets of gold; they have been the comfort of millions of hearts for many centuries and the source of spiritual edification for multiplied thousands.

Date and Authorship - It appears quite certain that the Book of Job is the oldest composition in the Scriptures. It was written, undoubtedly, before the giving of the Law since no reference whatsoever is made to the Law. The book belongs to the patriarchal age and throws remarkable light on the philosophic breadth and intellectual culture of that period of history. Although the authorship cannot be determined with certainty, the most acceptable theory is that Job composed the book and that it was incorporated in the sacred writings of the Hebrews by Moses.

Scope and Value of the Book - Five questions of universal interest are raised and discussed: (1) Is there any goodness among men that is unselfish and unmercenary? (2) Why do the righteous suffer and why does sin go unpunished? (3) Does God really care for and protect those who fear him? (4) Are adversity and afflictions tokens of wickedness in the life of those who suffer? (5) Are mercy and pity qualities of God?

Five solutions to the problems of human suffering are presented: (1) Suffering is a test of character and is abundantly rewarded when rightly endured. (2) Suffering is always a punishment for sin - the erroneous solution by Job's three friends. (3) Suffering is the result of sin, but not necessarily of the sin of the sufferer; it is disciplinary and beneficent for God's children - Elihu's solution. (4) Suffering is not a token of wickedness, though a source of perplexity - the implication in Job's speeches. (5) Both goodness and evil are filled with mystery beyond the comprehension of man; man's proper attitude is that of submission and faith - the solution given in God's speeches to Job. Full compensation awaits the true child of God, and complete and final triumph over Satan and all materialistic foes are assured the faithful servant of God.

Outline - The Book of Job may be divided into seven parts: I. Prologue (1:1-2:8) II. Job and His Wife (2:9,10) III. Job and His Three Friends (2:11-31:40) IV. Job and Elihu (32:1-37:24) V. Jehovah and Job (38:1-41:34) VI. Job's Final Answer (42:1-6) VII. Epilogue (42:7-17)