| The heading that phrase from verse 1 introduces us to a remarkable man and an incredible story, which in turn makes us look at the question "why do the innocent suffer?" This has been a burning question through all the years and challenges our faith even today. This book has been variously described as "The greatest poem of ancient or modern times" (Lord Tennyson). "One of the greatest things ever written" (Carlyle). "It is more magnificent and sublime than any other book of Scripture" (Martin Luther). There is much we don't know. Where was the land of Uz? When exactly did Job live? Before Abraham? Who wrote this book? When? Without a doubt, Job was an historical figure. He is referred to by Ezekiel (14:14) and by James (5:11). He was obviously enormously wealthy. "He was the greatest man among all the people of the East." He had a huge mixed farm. Most of all he had a good relationship with God and with his family. The word "blameless" could be paraphrased as a "complete, well balanced man". He turned away consistently from all that was wrong. Job was a good family man. He had seven sons and three daughters. It seems the whole family had feasts together, probably on the birthday of each of the seven sons. What a wonderful picture of family life. Job realised the possibility of sin in the lives of his children and would regularly bring them before God again and again. His burnt offerings were an expression of dedication on behalf of his family and himself. What a wonderful, sincere man of God! God Himself recognised this and that is where the rest of the story begins. The veil of the unseen world is lifted and we hear God pointing out Job to Satan as a righteous person. The result is a prolonged testing time which finally ends in Job humbling himself in a new way before God. It is a remarkable, involved story. We will take an overall look at the book but not at all the details over the next week or two. May it be a blessing to each of us as we do so! | 
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