The concept of the favor of God is a central theme in the Book of Job, which is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament. The narrative of Job explores the complexities of divine favor, human suffering, and righteousness.

Job's Righteousness and Initial Favor

Job is introduced as a man of exceptional righteousness and integrity. The opening verses of the Book of Job describe him as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). His life is marked by prosperity and blessing, which are often seen as signs of God's favor. Job's wealth, large family, and social standing are indicative of the divine favor he enjoys. He is described as "the greatest man of all the people of the East" (Job 1:3).

The Testing of Job's Faith

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Satan challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that his righteousness is solely due to the blessings he has received. God permits Satan to test Job's faith, allowing a series of calamities to befall him. Despite losing his wealth, children, and health, Job remains steadfast in his faith, famously declaring, "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21).

Job's Struggle and Dialogue

Throughout the dialogues with his friends, Job grapples with the apparent withdrawal of God's favor. His friends argue that suffering is a result of sin, implying that Job must have done something to lose God's favor. Job, however, maintains his innocence and seeks an audience with God to understand his suffering. He laments, "Why do You hide Your face and consider me Your enemy?" (Job 13:24).

God's Response and Restoration

God eventually responds to Job out of a whirlwind, emphasizing His sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding. While God does not provide a direct answer to Job's suffering, His response highlights the majesty and wisdom of the Creator. Job humbly acknowledges his limitations, saying, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know" (Job 42:3).

In the epilogue, God restores Job's fortunes, granting him twice as much as he had before. Job's restoration is a testament to the enduring favor of God, which transcends human understanding and circumstances. The text states, "The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning" (Job 42:12).

Theological Implications

The account of Job challenges simplistic notions of divine favor as merely material prosperity or the absence of suffering. It presents a more nuanced understanding that God's favor encompasses His presence, wisdom, and ultimate justice, even amidst trials. Job's experience underscores the belief that God's favor is not always immediately apparent but is assured for those who remain faithful.Job 10:12
You have granted me life and favor, and your visitation has preserved my spirit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth ...
... 2. To chastise them for their ill-improving of his favour and kindness when ... This
was Elihu's advice to Job, chap. ... Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxvi how is christ.htm

Of the Lack of all Comfort
... say what he felt within himself when the favour departed: Thou ... I cry, and will pray
unto my God; and then ... Wherefore holy Job saith, Thou dost visit him in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter ix of the lack.htm

Its Meaning
... but to pronounce a sentence in my own favour. "Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu ...
against Job .... because he justified himself rather than God" (Job 32:2 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/2 its meaning.htm

St. Ambrose Gives Additional Rules Concerning Repentance, and ...
... had read that Abraham, when confessing himself to be but dust and ashes, [3052]
in his deep humility found favour with God. He had read how Job, sitting among ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter i st ambrose gives.htm

The Wrath of God
... Man having sinned, is like a favourite turned out of the king's favour, and deserves
the wrath and curse of God. ... Hast thou an arm like God?' Job 40:9. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/3 3 the wrath of god.htm

Prayer
... We come to ask the favour of God; and if we have not his love all we enjoy is cursed
to us ... Thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God.' Job 15:4 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 6 prayer.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... When God withholds the sweet manifestations of His favour, He does not ... God holds
the soul over hell ... within me, the poison whereof drinks up my spirits" (Job 6:4 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

Job
... their favour; and in all probability they are an orthodox addition to the book from
the pen of some later scholar who was offended by Job's accusations of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/job.htm

Job --Groping
... is not so deep and unfathomable to us as Job's case was ... Preserve in my soul, O God,
such a constant and clear ... that upon every new receipt of Thy favour I may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/vii jobgroping.htm

Its Source
... sinner justification is an act of free unmerited favour; but toward ... it must have
its first rise in God, and not ... us: it was He that "found" a ransom (Job 33:24 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/6 its source.htm

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