Job, When the Righteous Suffer (Part 1)

Verse 1 introduces us to the man Job and his character. He was “blameless and upright, one who feared God, and turned away from evil.” If suffering is intended as a punishment for evil, Job is not a likely candidate. He turns away from evil because he fears God. He pursues right and avoids evil. His reputation is blameless. His reverence for God governs all he does.

Verses 2–3 describe the way God had blessed him in his righteousness. He had seven sons and three daughters and huge numbers of sheep and camels and oxen and servants. He was the greatest of all the people of the east.

Verses 4–5 describe a specific instance of Job’s fear of God and uprightness toward his children. Every time that his sons and daughters gathered for a feast, Job would get up early the next morning and offer burnt offerings for each one just in case any of them had sinned or cursed God in their heart. In other words he was extremely jealous for the honor of God’s name, that it not be profaned, and he was extremely vigilant for the sake of his children, not wanting any of them to come to ruin. He was a good man.

By John Piper. ©2014 Desiring God Foundation. Website: desiringGod.org