Job 42 explained: Job Answers, Then Is Restored

Job admits his limits (vv. 1-6)

Job repeats God's own questions and admits he spoke about things far beyond him; before he had only heard about God, but now he has met God for himself. Verse 6 is hard to translate, and scholars are unsure whether he despises himself or simply takes back his complaint and leaves the ashes where he sat grieving.

God rebukes the friends (vv. 7-9)

The friends insisted Job's suffering proved he had sinned, and God says they did not speak rightly about him, while Job, raw complaints and all, did. They must offer seven bulls and seven rams, burned whole on an altar, and Job, the man they accused, prays for them.

Job's losses reversed (vv. 10-11)

God turns Job's situation around and doubles what he had, and this comes after Job prays for the friends who hurt him. Relatives who had kept away now eat with him, a sign of renewed friendship, and bring silver and gold, and the text says plainly the trouble had come from the LORD.

Double flocks, new children (vv. 12-15)

His herds are exactly twice the numbers in chapter 1, but he has the same number of children as before, and the text does not say why. The daughters' names probably mean "dove," a cinnamon-like spice, and a jar of eye makeup, and giving daughters an inheritance beside their brothers was unusual then.

A long, satisfied life (vv. 16-17)

Seeing four generations of descendants was an ancient picture of a richly blessed life. The closing words mean he died old and content, much as the Bible describes the death of Abraham.

Key verse: Job 42:5

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether Job's restored life is a reward for his faithfulness or an undeserved gift that leaves the mystery of his suffering unexplained.

Something to think about

Can getting good things back ever make up for what was lost, or do some losses stay losses no matter what follows?