Job 1: A Glimpse Behind The Veil

What is the relationship between righteousness and suffering?  That is the key question explored in the Book of Job.  The answer may disturb you.

It is commonly assumed, by theists at least, that the pursuit of righteousness leads to blessing while a life of unrighteousness results in suffering.  We have many biblical teachings and examples to support this idea, as well as modern-day evidence from our everyday experience.  However, almost everyone recognizes that the relationship is not absolute.  We know of instances - and the Bible freely acknowledges cases - where the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer.

How different our reading of the Book of Job would be if it did not include 1:6-12 and 2:1-7!  This is our glimpse behind the veil that separates heaven and earth.  It is through the narration of Job's story - not through any of the details of his experience itself - where we discover that terrible things are happening to Job BECAUSE of his righteousness, not because of his wickedness, or even in spite of his righteousness.  Job's tragedies are occurring as the result of a kind of wager between God and Satan (vs 11-12).  God is so convinced in Job's integrity and his altruistic righteousness that He is willing to allow him to be tested by Satan.  Satan is allowed to remove all the blessings that God has provided Job.  We know because of this glimpse behind the veil that Job didn't "do anything to deserve this" and that his troubles are inflicted by Satan, albeit with God's permission.

Many people like to claim the mantle of Job when they suffer innocently.  Usually I think that is a stretch.  Job appears more righteous and suffered much more horribly than anybody I know.  Just think of what he lost, in a single moment:

• His 500 oxen and 500 donkeys, and accompanying servants
• His 7000 sheep, and accompanying servants
• His 3000 camels, and accompanying servants
• His 7 sons and 3 daughters

From Job's perspective, as well as any other witnesses, consider what this must have seemed like.  Surely it would be understood to be the stern hand of God wielded against someone who had displease Him with a terrible sin.  Even Job mistakenly attributes the loss to God's intervention: "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away."  Still, however, Job ends this statement with a benediction, "Blessed be the name of the Lord."  In spite of all he has suffered, Job trusts in the goodness of God.  He passes the test.  God wins the wager (2:3).

Would any of us be able to persist in righteousness like that?