A wonderfully interesting book is open before us in the next three weeks. The book of Job is thought by many scholars to be the oldest book in the Bible. It is conjectured to have been written by Moses when he was in the land of Midian. This, however, is not known. It is the oldest of all poetical books which have come down to us. It may be divided into four parts: (1) The prologue, chapters 1 and 2, written in prose; so also is the epilogue, or closing part of the book, chapter 42:7-17. (2) The debate between Job and his three friends on the subject of his afflictions (chapters 4 to 31) consists of three circles of speeches on the part of each. (3) The speeches of Elihu, chapters 32 to 37, and (4) the speeches of the Lord out of the storm-cloud.
The great subject of the book is the problem of human sufferings, and its relation to character. This has been a problem of wonderful interest throughout the ages. Job's friends contended that his affliction implied sin on his part, and God's disfavor, while prosperity implied God's favor and is a token of righteousness. While Job was led thru the severity of the condemnation of his friends and his intense sufferings to waver at times, yet his former experience with God holds him as an anchor in the storm of trouble thru which he is passing. He assures himself that he knows God, and that God knows him, and that he has witnesses on high; whatever darkness surrounds him now, he knows that his Redeemer lives and that he shall at last come forth to the light; but his longing now is that God should appear to him and tell him the reason of his afflictions. This God answers by revelations which Job had not before considered. The clear revelation makes him see that before he had only heard of God, but now he sees Him. Therefore he humbles himself before his Maker. God, knowing his heart, justifies him and forgives his friends because Job pleads in their behalf. Proving steadfast with God, his latter days were better than his first.
It is recorded of the eccentric old Scotchman, Thomas Carlyle, that he was asked to read at a friend's house in London at worship, that he opened to the book of Job and began to read, and read on and on and on for hours until he finished the book. The eminence of the man forbade his friends speaking to him while he was reading. He himself remarked, as he closed the book, that he never before had known of the wonderful wealth there was in Job.
Our readings in Matthew cover from chapter 10 to 17; of wonderful and marvelous interest are the stories of our Lord, the miracles which He wrought; His teachings in parables; the comfort of soul which He brought to the afflicted. To attempt to simplify or explain would be impossible in these limited notes. We will find almost every truth of Scripture either incidentally or objectively demonstrated in the Gospels of Christ.