The Book of Job by D. T. Bourdeau

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 22, 1872

The Book of Job.

By D. T. Bourdeau

This book is a remarkable production. Its introduction, covering chapters 1 and 2, is said to be written in prose in the original, while the controversy between Job and his friends is written in poetry. The conclusion, relating to the recovery and final prosperity of Job, is written in prose.

There can be no question as to the authenticity of this book. It is embraced in the Jewish catalogue of Sacred Scriptures, and Job is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible—both in the Old and New Testaments, Eze. 14:14; James 5:11, and in connection with important personages.

There has been much controversy as to when Job lived, and by whom the book bearing his name was written. The following are the principal reasons which are given to prove that Job lived before Moses:—

1. His long life. He must have lived over two hundred years. See chap. 42:16, &c.

2. The book of Job makes no allusion to the law of Moses, and to the wondrous works of God toward Israel in Egypt, and in the wilderness, which are consequently referred to in subsequent writings, as making known the character of God, the greatness and care of his providence, &c.

3. The worship of the sun and moon, which is the most ancient form of idolatry, is the only form of idolatry mentioned. Chap. 31:26-28.

4. The usages and customs described are those of the patriarchs of the first ages.

5. The religion of Job is of the same nature as that of the patriarchs before Moses; it is a religion of sacrifices, but without priest or sanctuary.

6. Dr. Hales adds a new argument drawn from astronomy, and based on chapters 9:9; 38:31, 32. He claims that the constellations mentioned were the cardinal constellations of the spring and autumn, 2130 years before Christ.

If Job lived between the flood and Abraham's time, we have additional evidence that God was not without witnesses to his truth in that age of the world. But if Job lived at a later period, say during the sojourn of the children of Israel in Egypt, as some claim, God had indeed a faithful witness and shining light north-east of Arabia at that time.

Some claim that the book of Job was written by himself, others that it was written by Elihu, and others, by Moses. The case of Job, that of Melchisedec, who was perhaps a faithful son or grandson of Shem, who had borne too many burdens, &c., to fill the place assigned to Abraham, that of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, in the land of Midian, are worthy of our thought and admiration. And thank God, we will have additional chapters of their lives if we are so faithful as to meet them in Heaven. Meanwhile, let us imitate their virtues and wisdom as far as they are left on record, especially the patience of Job, to which we are referred by James in a chapter applying in these times. James 5.

D. T. BOURDEAU.