When Job did as God asked, Job demonstrated his continuing faith in God and his trust that God was present to hear his prayers. How did God bless Job in his trials? The first phase of Job’s trials, the loss of family members and goods, appears to have been quite short. What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM? gave Job a long and full life (Job 42:17). Scripture suggests that they occurred in one day, for we are told that the messengers came, one after the other (four total), and while the previous one “was yet speaking…” (Job 1:16,17,18). Where did OT Saints go at death? What Does it Mean to Taste and See that the Lord is Good? Psalm 22Is Satan’s Real Name LUCIFER? Your generosity is a blessing and encouragement to us. Job did not know why such calamities had befallen him. Eliphaz was one of the friends who came to visit Job. So the absolute shortest period of time it could have been was 10 days if you take out all of the unknown periods of time and that figure is highly unlikely, especially with Job’s comments about months of vanity. CLICK TO DONATEto Reasons for Hope*Jesus(a 501c3 Ministry)Use a Credit Card or PayPal for safe, secure giving. Use PayPal or a Credit Card for safe, secure giving. If Job was 70 at the time his trials began, and lived for 140 years after them, then God also gave Job double the years to live. The Book of Job asks “why good people suffer,” but never actually answers the question. God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. It is only an assumption however I believe this would have gone on for days if not months before she was finally exasperated to the point of telling him to get it over and done with. You may also be interested in reading about the Hedge Of Protection that is also mentioned in the book of Job and a great sermon for kids is… Jonah And The Whale, The first period of unknown time during the suffering of Job…, The second period of unknown time during the suffering of Job…, The third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth periods of unknown time during the suffering of Job…, The ninth period of unknown time during the suffering of Job…. But often, we quote a Bible verse or say something funny, as if it could take away the pain. But we do not have answers to these questions: How long after Job’s suffering did they hear?How long did it take them to prepare for their trip?And how long did it take hem to travel to where Job was? James 5:11 speaks of Job’s endurance in his affliction: “You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.”. There are 3 time periods that we don’t know about. Esau’s children were probably older than Jacob’s children which ties in with what Eliphaz said in Job 15:9-10 – for an easy to read and very helpful explanation about this I recommend you read Did Job live before Abraham or before Noah? Help me get equipped and be encouraged so I am empowered to know, live, and share my faith. With an untold amount of time between each event. Your other servants were killed, and I was the only one who escaped to tell you.” Job did not know why such calamities had befallen him. When God allows us to suffer in any way, or for any length of time, we must remember that He has a purpose. When Job’s friends arrived, they sat in silence with him for seven days. Social sharing is permitted. Most Bible scholars are very adamant that this is not the same Job however I’m not too sure. Some have suggested the course of events took as long as two years, which would mean Job suffered for that time. . Your generosity is a blessing and encouragement to us. 'As portrayed by Bonnat.' Therefore, what matters most is not the length of suffering, or even the severity of our suffering, it’s how we suffer. Job’s wife tells Job to curse God, and die. In fact, Job questions God incessantly throughout the dialogue. Patience can also be translated as endurance, perseverance, and steadfastness. No matter the length of time, Job never cursed God for his suffering. What does this mean? It is not clear in the Bible how long Job suffered, but it was at least a period of months and may have been as long as one year according to some Jewish traditions. The above scripture throws up many questions about the time period of Job’s suffering. Subscribe to Receive Articles & Hidden Names of God in Psalm 23. What is interesting is that the sons of Esau who was Jacobs’s brother included a fellow with the name Eliphaz. The central figure in the book of Job, Job's intense suffering supplies the framework for the primary theme of the book, which deals with the role of suffering in the life of a believer. (Job 2:11). When we turn to God in faith, our hearts are changed and our souls are comforted. Others have suggested it might have been 42 months, as a whisper of the Great Tribulation. We are also told that three of Job’s friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) came to him when they heard of his suffering (Job 2:11ff). Or Should We Call Him Satan?What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? How long did Job suffer? Some have suggested the course of events took as long as two years, which would mean Job suffered for that time. All resources on this site © Reasons for Hope* Jesus --  click for Republication Permissions or contact hope@reasonsforhopeJesus.com. Lent: 40 Titles of Jesus for 40 Days of Devotion, Reclaim My Truant Heart, by John MacDuff, 1890, How Should You Observe Lent? Our mission is to glorify God by equipping, encouraging, and empowering YOU to understand the Bible and grow in faith. The time period between losing his goods and his family and being struck down with boils could have been years – no one knows. God allowed Satan to tempt Job, but imposed a restriction on Satan: Satan was permitted to take all of Job’s property, but it could not lay a finger on him. 4- Job suffered approximately 60-80 years- the equivalent of our contemporary lifespan. Some have suggested the course of events took as long as two years, which would mean Job suffered for that time. We did not meet expenses in 2020 and still need your help to continue our global outreach in 2021. Then all of Job’s friends ceased speaking. by Alex McFarland and Shari Abbott | Feb 5, 2020. This will surprise you!What Did Jesus Say About HEAVEN (and HELL)?JESUS WEPT. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. But in due time, God revealed more and more of Himself to Job, giving Job comfort and hope. Reflect and Prepare, Jesus’ Last Days Timeline: the Cross and the Resurrection, Have You Sat At The Master’s Table? As the story unfolds, Job’s suffering goes in rapid progression from bad to worse. COVID-19 — When There’s No Solution In Sight, NT Verses that Use the Word Repent (metanoia, metanoeo, metamelomai). When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you. (Ecc 7:8). Although the Bible does not state exactly how long Job suffered, it does offer some clues. It is my belief that Job suffered well, and that the anguish he expressed was from his thought that God had left him. And…it’s not the shortest verse in the Bible!Is There a Remez (HIDDEN MESSAGE ) in Revelation 7? How long (days, months, years) did job suffer? Is Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” a Christian Song? TNG's mission is to creatively communicate a compelling Christian worldview to the next generation by giving answers to tough questions, based on the truths of Scripture, and to build up the Body of Christ to stand strong and boldly proclaim the gospel in the world. We know that Job suffered for more than a week, at least. -3- The number of persons marginally attached to the labor force, at 1.9 million, decreased in January. Job (/ dʒ oʊ b / JOHB; Hebrew: אִיּוֹב ‎ – ' Iyyōḇ; Greek: Ἰώβ – Iṓb) is the central figure of the Book of Job in the Bible.In rabbinical literature, Job is called one of the prophets of the Gentiles. The following two tabs change content below. How long did it take after that appointment to go back to their homes and collect their items ready to travel and meet up again? All in all the story of Job throws up a lot of questions and the one about how long did Job suffer will have to wait until the Lord returns for the answer for there is absolutely no way to be precise. When Job was shaken by suffering long enough, the sediment of pride was stirred up into his life and showed itself when Job tried to justify himself at God's expense. Abraham's Bosom? When God allows us to suffer in any way, or for any length of time, we must remember that He has a purpose. We are also told that Job did not sin (Job 1:22) and later God says Job spoke rightly (Job 42:7,8). What it does do, is correct misconceptions about why we suffer. What significance do colors have in the Bible? So we should be compassionate and understand his anguish. The Bible does not tell us exactly how long Job suffered. Job 3:1 – tells us Job starts speaking. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. So what did Job … We are also told that three of Job’s friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) came to him when they heard of his suffering (Job 2:11ff). The McClintock and Strong Encyclopedia records that from antiquity Job's disease was commonly believed to have been "elephantiasis or black leprosy," and that a very early Greek version names this disease in the text of Job 2:7 as Job's ailment. A donation of any amount is needed and greatly appreciated. All of these words are used frequently throughout the New Testament. In the ancient mind, it was understood that earthly blessings were gifts from God and that God protected his faithful people from harm. Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus. But again, there is no way to determine how … Then how long did it take them to travel to Job. Some have suggested the course of events might have been as long as two years, which would mean Job suffered for that time. The time period of suffering just from the boils would be much shorter however still impossible to calculate! No matter how long Job actually suffered, it likely felt like an eternity to him. That is why the end is better than the beginning! This being the case, he would have lived to be 210 years old. The Bible does not include the specific length of time that Job suffered. " Also Job 30:16 and Job 30:27 talks of the days of his affliction. It means that God did not give Job completely to Satan then. Who Was Cain’s Wife? Job's wife certainly didn't think highly of her husband's nonsensical faith. If BAPTIZED as an Infant, Do I Need to Be Baptized Again?How was Jesus Like a Worm? The thing that prompts Job's friends to make their speeches is his outburst in chapter 3. The greatest lesson of restoration in the book of Job is not that of his wealth and children. Please consider supporting Reasons for Hope*Jesus. So this would have been day 8 of his friend’s visitation. Job then says that if he were in their shoes that he wouldn’t behave in the way that they did toward him (16:4,5). Christian apologists Alex McFarland and Shari Abbott answer some of life's many questions concerning the gospel, faith, and the Bible by sharing Truth for a New Generation and Reasons for Hope found only in Jesus. Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. He behaved blamelessly. Job's Challenge. No one knows the time period between the events of that first day and what happens to him in chapter 2 – so that makes calculating the exact time of Job’s sufferings impossible. Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. Choosing faith in the midst of suffering, as Job did, may look like insanity to all who watch. For more information about apologist, evangelist, author, and religion and culture analyst, Alex McFarland, visit www.alexmcfarland.com. The book started by telling us that Job offered sacrifices to God for his children (Job 1:5), and it ends with God telling Job’s friend to offer a sin sacrifice, but he does not tell Job to do so for himself. Instead, he tells Job to pray for his friends. This might be why the book of Job is not included with the historical books, but instead is part of the writings. Is the Great Commission in the Book of Luke? It is my belief that Job suffered well, and that the anguish he expressed was from his thought that God had left him. So the only time we have accounted for up until now is the 7 days his friends sat with him and the first day of all the calamities coming upon Job. Having followed the chronology of events, but without any definitive time markers or specified number of days or years, we still can’t know how long Job suffered. <, We need your help. Job thought he was being punished entirely out of proportion to any conceivable offense he may have committed. When Job’s friends arrived, they sat in silence with him for seven days. For more information about apologist, evangelist, author, and religion and culture analyst, Alex McFarland, visit, Truth for a New Generation (TNG) serves nationwide, featuring a multi-year conference tour and student-led club program to equip teenagers, parents, grandparents, and others who lead them to live for God. Job's friends tried mightily to find logic while they looked at the illogical comparison of great faith, and great suffering. We can reasons that it had to be more than a just a few weeks based on: It was only after the three friends left (Job 42:9), and when Job prayed for his friends, that God restored Job (Job 42:10). Job said, “I have uttered what I did not understand” (Job 42:5). 13 Job’s sons and daughters were having a feast in the home of his oldest son, 14 when someone rushed up to Job and said, “While your servants were plowing with your oxen, and your donkeys were nearby eating grass, 15 a gang of Sabeans [] attacked and stole the oxen and donkeys! According to the sacred writer, the truly wise man should realize that “the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil, that is understanding” (28:28). Although the Bible does not state exactly how long Job suffered, it does offer some clues. He gave him new children (and will reunite him with the ones who died in heaven), He gave Job long life, and also gave Job extreme honor by placing his name and story in the most read book in the world: The Bible. So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great. Much has been said about the patience of Job. However, because it is not uncommon for many people to share the same name it is impossible to tell for sure. After seven days of silence with his friends (and probably weeks of suffering before they came), "Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. Job was restored to experience God’s presence. The scriptures are very good at throwing out clues for us and usually what would otherwise be considered boring genealogies are there for a reason. The words perseverance and finally might seem to suggest a long period of time, but the fact is that the Bible does not specify how long Job suffered. Where we turn for comfort and hope? We need your help to keep our site ad-free. However, multiple verses indicate that the suffering took place over at least a few months. Whatever the length of time, Job certainly did suffer greatly. (Job 42:16) continues, saying that Job lived for 140 years after his trials. How long after Job’s suffering did they hear? Why? I have uttered what I did not understand” (Job 42:5). The Bible does not tell us exactly how long Job suffered. Truth for a New Generation (TNG) serves nationwide, featuring a multi-year conference tour and student-led club program to equip teenagers, parents, grandparents, and others who lead them to live for God. answer some of life's many questions concerning the gospel, faith, and the Bible by sharing Truth for a New Generation and Reasons for Hope found only in Jesus. By the great length of Job’s days, namely, two hundred and ten years, it seems most probable that he lived before the time of Moses, for at and after that time the days of human life were much shortened, as that man of God complained, Psalm 90:10. Why is Dan Missing?What Does it Mean to Be A CHILD OF GOD?Why Is PRAYER Important?Is SUICIDE an Unforgivable Sin?Something ALL Christians must know:  IVDARR. Job gave his final speech, after which, God spoke. In the ancient mind, it was understood that earthly blessings were gifts from God and that God protected his faithful people from harm. A Twofold Purpose of Suffering in Job's Life . Reasons for Hope* Jesus exists to glorify God by equipping you to know Jesus better, to love Jesus more & to share your faith. ), All of his servants (workforce) were killed. For more information and resources visit. First, his 1000 (Job 1:3) oxen and donkeys were stolen, and some of his servants were killed (Job 1:14-15). However, with 9 periods of time that could have lasted days or weeks it is impossible to tell how long Job suffered. God never explained to Job either. The greatest lesson of restoration in the book of Job is not that of his wealth and children. His protest climaxes in a direct indictment of God on the charge of injustice (29–31). Job’s friends demonstrated their love for him by trying to help him understand his suffering. We have all heard of the patience of Job and the longsuffering of Job however how long did Job suffer? The words perseverance and finally might seem to suggest a long period of time, but the fact is that the Bible does not specify how long Job suffered. For more information about Shari Abbott, executive director of Reasons for Hope* Jesus, click here. Did Job live before Abraham or before Noah? Some people think that Job’s trials extended over many years, but the book of Job does not point to such protracted suffering. Is The Job In Genesis 26:13 The Same Job In The Book Of Job? One would like to think she didn’t give up on him too soon. Thank you to all who contributed in 2020. His suffering is so great that even his wife counsels him to curse God, that he might die and be relieved of his agony. For more information and resources visit www.truthforanewgeneration.com. In this article, we will look at the story of Job and see if we can unravel this mystery. Others have suggested it might have been 42 months, as a whisper of the Great Tribulation. He gave Job double the wealth he had before. Their words are recorded in Job 3-31. According to Job 2:13 his friends sat with him 7 days and 7 nights without speaking, but we don't know how long he suffered before they came or how long after they left. Therefore, I believe that Job thought that God had turned away from him and so his greatest suffering was thinking that God had left him. (Are You Kicking Against The Pricks? Reading Job’s words in that light, we see a man despairing, feeling alone, and grieving his distance from God. We did not meet expenses in 2020 and still need your help to continue our global outreach in 2021. to Reasons for Hope*Jesus(a 501c3 Ministry). Job was an exceptionally righteous man. © All content on this site is copyrighted. For how long a period of time did Job suffer? Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.“. Job is one of the most famous people in Scripture, yet he is rarely listed as a favorite Bible character. (Job 2:13). When God began to speak, He first asked questions of Job (Job 38-41) and then He rebuked Job’s three friends. Which Old Testament Book Did Jesus Quote Most Often? Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary We know that his suffering began with the death of his servant and the loss of his livestock and got progressively worse with the deaths of his children and his physical afflictions. Job’s friends don’t recognize him because of his disease (see comments on verse seven above). When Job’s earthly possessions and his children were taken from him, Job knew that God had not protected him from the losses yet he did not charge God with having done these things to him (Job 1:22). While Job 2:8-10 is a short read that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen over a long period of time. The book is often understood as an exploration of the question of theodicy-- that is, how God can be declared just in the light of innocent suffering.In the absence of answers, Job has been held up as a model of quiet faithfulness. The Bible simply does not say. Thank you to all who contributed in 2020.