Introduction

The book of Job is one of the most challenging—and at times confusing—books in the Bible. If you’ve read it, you know why. It opens with unimaginable tragedy, contains long stretches of speeches and arguments, and ends with a whirlwind encounter between Job and God Himself.

In the Daily Audio Bible’s journey through the Word of God for 2025, we recently passed through this rough terrain.

Since then, I’ve been pondering: what are we supposed to do with a book like Job? Is it allegory? History? Poetry? Wisdom literature? Does it even belong in the Bible? And most importantly, assuming we accept that it’s included in the canon of Scripture for a reason, what should we be learning about God from it?

I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I want to share a few pictures of God that have emerged in my mind from this strange, difficult, and beautiful book.

Job as Wisdom Literature

First, it helps to remember that Job belongs to the Bible’s wisdom literature—alongside Proverbs and Ecclesiastes (which is a challenging book in itself). Unlike narrative history, wisdom literature often uses dialogue, imagery, and poetry to grapple with life’s biggest questions.

Questions that God knows we have had or will have throughout our journey of building a relationship with Him.

Does this mean Job isn’t historical? Not necessarily. Job could very well have been a real man (Ezekiel 14:14 and James 5:11 seem to suggest he was). But even if Job’s story is told in highly poetic form, its purpose isn’t to give us a play-by-play of ancient events. Its purpose is to wrestle with questions we all face:

• Why do good people suffer?
• Can suffering coexist with God’s justice?
• What does it mean to trust God when life falls apart?

Picture #1: God Is Sovereign

The opening chapters show Job losing everything—his children, his wealth, even his health. Behind the scenes, there’s a heavenly dialogue between God and Satan that feels mysterious, even unsettling.

But here’s what stands out: Satan is on a leash. He has to ask permission before touching Job, and he’s limited in what he can do. Evil is real and destructive, but it does not get the final word. God alone is sovereign.

That’s both humbling and comforting. It reminds us that nothing happens outside of God’s knowledge and control, even when we don’t understand why He allows suffering.

Picture #2: God Is Patient

Much of the book is taken up with dialogue—Job crying out in anguish, his friends offering bad counsel, Job defending his integrity. It goes in circles, and at times it’s exhausting.

But here’s what’s remarkable: God lets Job speak. He doesn’t cut him off. He doesn’t strike him down for questioning. He listens. Job says some things that are raw, even bordering on irreverent—but God is big enough to handle Job’s (and our) honesty.

This shows us a God who is patient with our pain and our questions. He invites authenticity, not fake piety.

Picture #3: God Is Beyond Our Comprehension

When God finally speaks from the whirlwind in chapters 38–41, He doesn’t answer Job’s “why” questions directly. Instead, He gives Job a tour of creation: the stars, the seas, the wild animals.

At first glance, it feels like God is dodging the issue. But what He’s really doing is reminding Job (and us) that His wisdom is far beyond ours.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.”

Job 38:4 (NIV)

This is not God mocking Job—it’s God putting Job’s suffering in the context of His infinite power and wisdom. We may not understand everything, but we can trust the One who does.

Picture #4: God Is Restorer

The book ends with God restoring Job—his health, his fortunes, even giving him more children. While the losses are never erased, Job’s story closes with redemption and blessing.

This doesn’t mean every story of suffering will tie up neatly in this life. But it does point us forward to the ultimate restoration God promises—a new heaven and new earth where every tear will be wiped away (Revelation 21:4).

Final Thoughts

Job is not an easy book. It doesn’t give us simple answers to complex questions. But it does give us a set of powerful pictures of God:

• Sovereign over all things.
• Patient with our pain and questions.
• Far wiser than we can comprehend.
• Restorer of what has been lost.

And maybe that’s the point. Job doesn’t end with Job getting an explanation. It ends with Job getting God Himself.

Sometimes, that’s the only answer we need.