Job The Prophet

Job's Theology

Job The Prophet - Chapter Two

"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." (James 5: 10, 11 KJV)

As shown in the previous chapter, these words of James prove that Job was a prophet of God, one who spoke in the name of the Lord. This testimony is sufficient in itself, but we will notice more.

Job said:

"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." (Job 19: 25, 26 KJV)

Was this not a "prophecy" of Christ the Messiah? Does this prophecy not constitute Job as a "prophet"?

Wrote Peter:

"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (II Peter 1: 21 KJV)

Was Job not one of these "holy men of God"? Was he not one of "the prophets"? Did he not speak as "moved by the Holy Ghost"? Are his words not inspired? Approved by God himself in Job 42: 7? In that verse, God says:

"And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath." (KJV)

These words should settle all debate about the correctness of Job's theology, about the truthfulness of what he said about the nature and workings of God in his dialogues with his "friends." Yet, many commentators and interpreters of the Book of Job have found intriguing and crafty ways of "twisting" this divine commentary on the character and teachings of Job. In spite of what God said about Job's theological teachings, many "interpreters" nevertheless tell us that Job was wrong about many things he said about God and his providence! But, more on this in a future chapter. Clearly these words of Lord God confirm that Job was a prophet who spoke in the name of the Lord and as moved by the Holy Ghost.

"I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets." (Hosea 12: 10 KJV)

Did Job not see God face to face, as much so as Moses? Did he not receive the very words of God? What greater oracles are there than those given to the prophet Job? Did Job not receive from God "multiplied visions"? Was not the whole character and experiences of Job a "similitude" for the sufferings of Christ? Did God not identify Job as his "spokesman" by always faithfully calling him his "servant" and by affirming that Job had "spoken concerning me what is right"? (42: 7)

"Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth." (Hosea 6: 5 KJV)

How can any legitimately exclude Job from this description of "the prophets"? Has not the theology of Job sculptured and shaped the thought of God's people? In the words of Job, and of God's words to Job, do we not have the "words of my (God's) mouth"? His "judgments"? Who can honestly read Job and not come away with the feeling of being "hewed" by the message?

Also, as pointed out in the previous chapter, Lord God, through Ezekiel the prophet, put Job in company with two other prophets, with Noah and Daniel. Does this not also indicate that Job was a prophet?