Student Question
What is the significance of the setting in the Book of Job, and its impact on the plot?
Quick answer:
The setting of the Book of Job in the land of Uz, a pagan region, highlights Job's non-Israelite origin, emphasizing his integrity and faith in the Israelite God. This setting underscores the contrast between Job's unwavering faith and the Israelites' frequent failures. It also foreshadows God's plan to include all peoples in His covenant, demonstrating God's care and the importance of intercessory prayer.
The biblical book of Job is set in “the land of Uz,” a pagan land that scholars think may have been southeast of Israel, perhaps somewhere in the northwestern part of Arabia, and this setting is critical to the story because it means that Job is likely not an Israelite. Let's look at this in more detail.
Job is a rich man in Uz. He has many animals and all kinds of servants and a large family. In fact, he is “the greatest of all the people of the east” (1:3). Yet Job does believe in the Israelite God, which says a lot about Job's desire for truth and integrity. He wants to make sure that he is worshiping the true God.
God recognizes Job as His servant even though Job is not part of Israel. This points ahead to the days when God will incorporate all peoples into His...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
covenant family. But God also allows Job to be tested. Satan does not believe that Job will still love God if all of his blessings are taken from him.
So Job loses everything, his family, his animals, his wealth, even his health. Yet he does not curse God. He complains a lot, but he remains faithful. Considering the book's Israelite audience, this is an important point. The Israelites, too, have experienced plenty of hardships over the years. God has tried them. Yet they have often failed to remain faithful. Notice the contrast here. A foreigner like Job remains faithful to God, but God's own people do not always do the same.
God rebukes Job firmly for his complaining, but at the end of the book, He restores Job's health and wealth in an even greater measure than he had before. Job also prays for his misguided friends. Again, we should think about how God cares so deeply for this foreigner and how He prospers him. And we should note that this foreigner intercedes for his friends. God's people of Israel should trust that God will do the same for them and should also pray for others.
References