What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Structure and content of the Book of Job"
Answer
The Book of Job describes a profound conflict between God and Satan, which is played out in the example of the god‑fearing Job. The structure begins with a test by God, in which Job loses his possessions and his children, followed by a phase of painful accusations by his friends, who mistakenly interpret his misfortune as punishment for sin.
The content culminates in Job's unwavering confession to his Redeemer and a direct encounter with divine power from the whirlwind, which ultimately leads to his humbling and subsequent restoration.
The Origin of the Conflict in Heaven
»Very early in world history, the life story of a man is given, over whom this dispute of Satan was waged. Of Job, the patriarch of Uz, the testimony of the heart‑searcher read: 'There is none like him on earth, an unblemished and upright man who fears God and shuns evil.' Against this man Satan brought the mocking accusation: 'Does Job fear God in vain? Have you not made a fence around him and his house and everything he has on all sides? ... But now stretch out your hand and touch everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!«
Job's Test and the Accusations of His Friends
»The Lord said to Satan: 'Everything he has is in your hand; lay no hand on him yourself.' ... With this permission, Satan swept away everything Job possessed—herds, servants and maidens, sons and daughters—and he 'struck Job with painful sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.' ... Another element of bitterness was added to his cup. His friends, who saw only retribution for sin in the misfortune, pressed his wounded and burdened spirit with accusations of wrongdoing.«
Job's Defense Against the "Painful Comforters"
»Job was not understood by his friends. He throws their accusations back at them. He shows them that he has a deeper and more thorough knowledge of sin than they do, even though they defend God by professing their faith in Him. 'Painful comforters you all are,' is the answer he gives to their criticisms and censures. 'Even I,' says Job, 'could speak as you do: If your soul were in place of my soul, I could heap words against you and shake my head over you.' Yet he explains that he would not do this. 'I,' he says, 'would strengthen you with my mouth, and the movement of my lips should alleviate your pain.«
God's Answer and Job's Restoration
»The Lord answered Job from the whirlwind and revealed to His servant the power of His might. When Job caught a glimpse of his Creator, he despised himself and repented in dust and ash. Then the Lord was able to bless him abundantly and make his final years the best of his life. Hope and courage are essential for the perfect service to God. These are the fruits of faith. Timidity is sinful and unreasonable. God is able and willing to give His servants the strength they need for test and trial.«
Hope in the Redeemer and the Resurrection
»Job asks the question directly: 'When a person dies, will he live again?' ... And what is his testimony? It is this: 'For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He will stand on the earth on the last day. And after my skin, these worms, have destroyed this body, I will still see God in my flesh; whom I will see myself, and my eyes will look upon Him and no stranger.«
- Purpose of Job's test
- Dialogues between Job and his friends
- God's revelation in the Book of Job
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
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