Smarr Publishers
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Classical Studies
A Student’s Companion to
The Book of Job
by Robert W. Watson
Copyright © Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006
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The Book of Job / 1
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Introduction to the Book of Job
OT ONLY is the book of Job the oldest book in the Bible, this work of literature is
one of the oldest written in the world. The book of Job is the greatest single piece of
literature in the world. This is not just my opinion. This statement is shared by many
in the literary community. For example:
“This book is perhaps the greatest masterpiece of the human mind.”—Victor Hugo
“Nothing has been written of equal literary merit.”—Thomas Carlyle
Job is “the greatest poem of ancient or modern times.”—Lord Tennyson
What makes the book of Job so great? First of all, this book is about real life. The myth that
life is somehow supposed to be fair is completely destroyed after reading this book. As you read
Job, you should be sensitive to all of the references about “life” and to what life is compared.
Second, in that it teaches about real life, the book prepares you for the eventual troubles that
will come your way. Difficulties in life is God’s way of helping us to rely on Him rather than
on ourselves. We learn from the book of Job why good people suffer in this life. We should
take note that oftentimes suffering does not come about because of sin in one’s life. We learn
that Job is not being punished or condemned; far from it. Job is being disciplined by his
Heavenly Father.
Third, we get a glimpse of the spirit world. No other piece of ancient literature offers us an
insight of the behind-the-scenes struggle taking place around men daily. Also, we learn that
Satan is powerless to do harm to anyone, unless he has permission from Almighty God. So,
when troubles surround us, we should remember that our Father is merely trying to get us closer
to Him. Therefore, problems in life should offer us some encouragement that the LORD knows
about us and watches us.
Fourth, the book of Job is deeply philosophical. Job and his friends pose profound questions
about life and about man’s relationship to a holy God. You will learn that all of these questions
are answered in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This study of Job is approached from a literary point of view. The Bible sets the standard for
the interpretation of all literature. What is the correct way to interpret the Bible, and Job in
particular? The only sensible method of interpretation is the one used with all other works of
literature: the reader accepts the words of the author at face value. In other words, the book of
Job must be interpreted literally in the context of the passage under consideration. All great
literature uses symbolism and figurative language, but these devices are always applied in the
context.
We will not be discussing much in the way of doctrine or prophesy. To do so would require
separate studies. Nevertheless, I will appear dogmatic about two things in this study, only
because I believe these two teachings are revealed in the Bible as truth. First, the author of the
Book of Job is Elihu. Elihu is an eye-witness to the events that take place. I shall discuss this
belief in Lesson 8. Second, the identity of leviathan is clearly Satan. How commentators and
scholars are able to miss this plain teaching is curious to me. Satan no longer is a shining
cherub. Satan is a seven-headed, fire-breathing dragon with a heart as hard as a rock. I shall
discuss leviathan in Lesson 10.
The book of Job has forty-two chapters, 1,070 verses, and 10,102 words. The setting is in the
Land of Uz, which is also Edom (Jeremiah 25:20). This land is named after the son of Aram,
who is a descendent of Shem (Genesis 10:23 and 1 Chronicles 1:17).
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A Note about Hebrew Poetry
OUR Bible contains many examples of poetry. Some of the books with poetry in them
are Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, much of Isaiah and Jeremiah, and most of
the minor prophets.
Hebrew poetry is quite different compared to English poetry. As you have learned, English
poetry relies upon figurative expression, patterned repetition, compression of thought, concrete
expression, and multiple meanings. On the other hand, the elements in Hebrew poetry include
reverence toward God, use of natural imagery, and use of parallelism.
The use of parallelism can be called “thought rhyme” as well. Parallelism is achieved in three
ways: restating ideas (Ps. 1:2); contrasting ideas (Pro. 3:5); and developing ideas (Job 3). As
you read Job note how the thoughts are restated, contrasted, and developed.
Remember, the book of Job is poetry, and poetry requires careful reading. Therefore, do not
rush through the readings. These thoughts are the thoughts of God Almighty and are very lofty.
You are about to read the greatest piece of literature in the world. Accept these words not as the
words of man, but as they are in fact, the words of God. Indeed, you will be treading on holy
ground.
ROBERT W. WATSON
The Book of Job / 3
The Book of Job
Lesson One
1.1 Vocabulary
eschew v.
integrity n.
potsherd n.
1.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. When we were digging in the nearby cave, we discovered ___________, fragments of
earthenware used by Indians.
2. A bank account can be restored, and a house can be rebuilt; but if anyone damages his
_____________________, his character will suffer a great loss.
3. I believe Tammy is serious about her diet; when I offered her a candy bar, Tammy
_________________ it and ran away.
1.3 Reading Assignment: Job, chapters 1–3
1.4 Recall Questions
1. In what land did Job dwell?
2. Why did Job offer sacrifices to God every day?
3. Who came among the sons of God as they presented themselves to the LORD?
4. Apparently, Satan has considered Job, not because he was wicked, but because he tried to
live a godly life. What evidence from the text can you find suggesting that Satan is calling
God a liar?
5. Who takes Job’s oxen and asses?
6. What kills the sheep and shepherds?
7. Who takes Job’s camels?
8. What kills Job’s children?
9. The Lord points out to Satan that Job has proven Satan wrong. What does Satan state is
more important to men than any wealth or family?
10. What physical affliction does Satan put upon Job?
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11. Job’s friends sit with him for how many days and nights without speaking to him?
12. Job does not curse God, but he does curse something. What is it?
13. Chapter 3, verses 1-12 is an elaborate development of a single thought. What is the one
thing that Job wished would have perished?
14. Kings, servants, small children, the wicked, the weary, and prisoners all share something in
common. What is it?
15. According to Job, light and life is reserved for whom?
16. In Job 3:25, Job states, “For the one thing which I greatly feared is come upon me.” What
was this one thing? (See Job 1:5)
1.5 Critical Thinking

Why is Satan permitted to approach God with “the sons of God”? What evidence suggests
that Satan is a son of God? Using your concordance, find the four groups or individuals in
the Bible who are called by the title “son of God.” What do all of these groups have in
common with each other?

Was the servant correct when he spoke about “the fire of God”? Who caused this fire? What
does this suggest about the workings of the Lord and Satan (see 2 Sam. 24:1 and 1
Chron.21:1)?

Job apparently had many friends. However, only three came “to comfort” him. Discuss why
people tend to avoid their “friends” when these persons are down on their luck.
1.6 Bonus Thoughts

Prose and Poetry: The first two chapters of Job are written in prose and not poetry.
Regarding style, how are the first two chapters different from the third chapter?
The Book of Job / 5
The Book of Job
Lesson Two
2.1 Vocabulary
envy n
array n
fodder n
loathsome adj.
2.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. I wish now I had not dropped my keys in the storm drain; the _____________ smell down
here is making me sick to my stomach.
2. The two armies posed on opposite sides of the hill; the colorful, but deadly, ____________
was truly an impressive sight.
3. These old corn stalks are good for feeding the cattle as _______________.
4. Joseph’s brothers hated the favorite son of their father because of __________; the brothers
disliked the special treatment that Joseph received that they sold their brother as a slave.
3.3 Reading Assignment: Job, chapters 4–7
2.4 Recall Questions
1. Eliphaz states that, in the past, Job has helped the weak and grieving. If this is true, what
does Eliphaz seem to be suggesting that Job should be able to do?
2. Eliphaz reminds Job that no one has perished that was innocent. What does this statement
imply about Job?
3. Is Eliphaz correct to state that suffering comes about because of sin in one’s life?
4. What caused the hair of Eliphaz’s flesh to stand up?
5. When the spirit states, “How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay,” who are
“them” and what are the “houses of clay”?
6. What examples of similes used in verses 5:7 and 5:26?
7. Irony is a statement that is the opposite of what is true. In chapter 5, how are the words of
Eliphaz ironic?
8. According to Eliphaz, the Lord delivers the righteous from seven troubles. What are these
troubles? (Five are fairly obvious; trouble #6 is found in verse 5:24 and trouble #7 in verse
5:25)
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9. Which avenue of knowledge does Eliphaz use to “know” that his statements are true (verse
5:27)?
10. Job now answers in Chapter 6. According to Job, what are heavier than “the sand of the
sea”?
11. What is emphasized in verse 6:5?
12. What is emphasized in verse 6:6?
13. What is Job’s request that he wants God to grant?
14. What challenge does Job give his friends in verse 6:24?
15. When Job asks, “Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth,” to what is he referring?
16. Job offers an analogy in verses 7:2-3. What is the analogy?
17. What is the metaphor used by Job in verses 7:6 and 7?
18. Job uses another analogy in verse 7:9. What is it?
19. When Job states, “I loathe it,” what is the it that he is referring to?
20. To whom is Job speaking in verses 7:11-21 (hint: verse 20)?
2.5 Critical Thinking

How do we process knowledge (See notes below)? In other words, how do we know what
we know? Explain what kind of knowledge Eliphaz relies on to prove his argument (verses
4:8 and 4:12-21).

Explain how Job 4:12–21 fits Burke’s definition of the sublime. Also, explain how God is
sublime (see note below).
2.6 Bonus Thoughts

Epistemology, or knowing what we know: The book of Job is a very philosophical. The
discipline under Philosophy concerning knowledge is called Epistemology. Usually, secular
philosophers believe that men process knowledge only in three ways: by reason, by
experience, or by tradition. However, for the Christian there is a fourth way to receive
knowledge. What is it (Hebrews 11:1)?

The Sublime: Job 4:12–21 represents the best example of the sublime. From his
“Philosophical Inquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful,” Edmund
Burke points out the elements that create sublime moments. These elements include:
The Book of Job / 7
Astonishment; this astonishment must suspend the soul with terror, and the mind cannot
think of anything else;
Fear; this emotion is expressed whenever pain or death is imminent, and the fear must be an
imaginary one;
Obscurity; the source of the fear must be obscure, because clear danger is not as terrifying;
Infinity; a danger with limitations can be overcome, but an infinite danger cannot be
suppressed;
and, Power.

Rhetorical Questions: In verses 6:5 and 6, Job uses rhetorical questions, which is a figure
of speech where the answer is obvious.
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The Book of Job
Lesson Three
3.1 Vocabulary
mire n.
scourge n.
daysman n.
acquit v.
3.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Trying to decide when to tell my sister that I wrecked her car was a ____________ I could
not get through; she has a terrible temper.
2. The state attorneys were unable to convince the jury of the guilt of the accused; therefore,
the members of the jury _________________ the defendant.
3. Job needed a _______________, a mediator, one who would intercede for him and God.
4. When the barbarians approached the village, the citizens fled to the hills, since this
________________ upon the land was merciless.
3.3 Reading Assignment: Job, chapters 8–11
3.4 Recall Questions
1. Bildad uses a simile in verse 8:2. What is it?
2. Bildad appeals to what approach to knowledge in verses 8:8-10?
3. What figure of speech is used in verse 8:11?
4. To what does Bildad compare the hypocrite’s trust?
5. Job asks a profound question in verse 9:2. What is this question?
6. What are Arcturus, Orion and Pleiades?
7. What do we learn about the Almighty God in verses 9:4-10?
8. What are the similes in verse 9:26 referring to?
9. What simile does Job use to describe the Lord in verse 10:16?
10. In verse 10:22, to what does Job compare the light?
The Book of Job / 9
11. What does Zophar call Job in verse 11:3?
12. Throughout chapter 11, what does Zophar assume about Job?
13. In order for Job to get right with God, what does Zophar suggest that Job do?
3.5 Critical Thinking

Explain how Job’s argument to God as the Creator God is effective (see verses 10:8-9).
3.6 Bonus Thoughts

The Shadow of Death. The phrase, “shadow of death,” appears more often in the book of
Job than in any other place in the Bible. The “shadow of death” makes a good Bible study.

Light and Darkness: In the ancient work, The Epic of Gilgamesh, King Gilgamesh walks
along the Road of the Sun where only darkness dwelt. How is this similar to Job’s
description in verse 10:22?
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The Book of Job
Lesson Four
4.1 Vocabulary
grope v.
consolation n.
travail v.
collop n.
recompense n.
4.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. I recall as a child how meeting new classmates was such a _________ to me; I would rather
have a whipping rather than be placed in the awkward position of speaking to strangers.
2. Jeff did not believe a ten-dollar bill was a proper _______________ for Mr. Starre’s
running over his bicycle.
3. When he discovered that he lost $1000 in the New York subway, Mr. Jones had a small
_________________ that perhaps a needy person would find the money.
4. Placed upon the table were _____________ of turkey and slices of other meats.
5. When Mrs. Reese asked her boy why he was covered with mud, Jimmy had a look on his
face, which suggested he was _________________(ing) in the dark for a light switch.
4.3 Reading Assignment: Job, chapters 12–15
4.4 Recall Questions
1. What is the meaning of the simile in verse 12:5?
2. Job appeals to animals and nature to support his argument about what? (see verse 12:3)
3. In verses 12:13-25, of whom is Job referring?
4. In chapter 13, what does Job desire to do with God?
5. At first, Job does not wish to plead with God. However, what two conditions does Job ask
of God before he would speak to the LORD?
6. Every person has two things in life. What are these two things? (see verse 14:1)
7. What two similes are found in verse 14:2?
8. Job states there is more hope for a tree than for a man. Why?
The Book of Job / 11
9. What question does Job ask in verse 14:14? If Job were alive today, would he be able to
answer his own question? Why?
10. According to Eliphaz, Job’s own mouth has done what to Job?
11. To what avenue of knowledge does Eliphaz appeal when he states, “Which wise men have
told from their fathers?”
4.5 Critical Thinking

Eliphaz continues to tell Job that the wicked man has a tough time with life. But, is it true
that the wicked always have trials and tribulations in life? The whole point of this argument
is to show Job that his suffering is the result of sin in his life. However, did Job do anything
wrong to merit his trials? Or was it precisely the opposite? That is, were his sufferings the
result of his godliness and uprightness of heart? Discuss.

What is the difference between punishment and discipline? Which does God use to correct
his children? Discuss.
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The Book of Job
Lesson Five
5.1 Vocabulary
embolden v.
surety n.
by-word n.
tabret n.
gin n.
estrange v.
5.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Even though I was joking when I called Jackie a dumb bunny, I nevertheless ____________
our friendship.
2. When he entered the spooky, old house by himself, Thomas became the ____________ all
the brave kids in the neighborhood who would later go into the same house.
3. The captain of the distressed vessel tried to ________________ his crew to keep up hope by
offering prayer.
4. Whenever the Israelites would celebrate, they would accompany their joyous dances with
music from ________________ and pipes
5. A wise person will never become a ________________ for another, because a person who
becomes a cosigner also becomes liable for the debt.
6. Old One-Eye would spoil the Indian’s _________ by stealing the rabbits that were trapped
in them.
5.3 Reading Assignment: Job, chapters 16–19
5.4 Recall Questions
1. Verse 16:1 has an oxymoron. What is it?
2. Job states that he could speak harshly to his friends if they were in his place. Yet Job says
he would not. What would he do if the situation were reversed?
3. Job believes that God has delivered him over to whom?
4. Why does Job tell his friends that he could not find one wise man among them? (see verse
17:8)
5. Bildad leaves off speaking to Job in verse 18:4 and tells his friends that “He teareth himself
in his anger.” To whom is Bildad referring?
The Book of Job / 13
6. Bildad develops one very elaborate thought in chapter 18. Basically, what is this thought?
7. In chapter 19, Job states who was responsible for his suffering? (see verse 19:6 and 21-22)
8. What is interesting about verse 19:23? Are Job’s words written in a book?
9. What verses point out that Job believed in a coming Savior and that he believed in a
resurrection?
5.5 Critical Thinking

Discuss whether Job is correct when he believes that the LORD is responsible for his
suffering.
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The Book of Job
Lesson Six
6.1 Vocabulary
restitution n.
remnant n.
6.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which word is a synonym for the first word in the list?
1. restitution
destruction
indemnity
oblivion
2. remnant
disenchantment
remainder
wayside
6.3 Reading Assignment: Job, chapters 20–24
6.4 Recall Questions
1. According to Zophar, what has been true since man was placed on earth?
2. Job asks, “Is my complaint to man?” What is the answer? To whom is Job’s complaint?
3. According to Job, why do the wicked fail to have anything to do with God?
4. What happens to both the rich and the poor? (see verse 21:26)
5. Eliphaz accuses Job of doing what? (verses 22:6-7)
6. What is Eliphaz’s conclusion about Job’s sins? (verse 22:10)
7. With what is God clothed?
8. Find a reference to the Great Flood in Chapter 22.
9. What is Eliphaz’s advice to Job? (verse 22:21)
10. Even though he appears unable to find God, Job comforts himself with what thought? (verse
23:10)
11. What does Job consider more important than food?
12. The wicked may be exalted for a while, but what happens to them?
The Book of Job / 15
6.5 Critical Thinking

In today’s reading, explain how Job’s friends use human wisdom to explain Job’s suffering.

Explain how Job contradicts Zophar about the life of the wicked. Is Job correct about his
ideas regarding the wicked?

Regarding the sins of the wicked (verse 24:13), Job states that “God layeth not folly to
them.” Why? Are the wicked of this world under a different standard than God’s people?
Why or why not?
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The Book of Job
Lesson Seven
7.1 Vocabulary
diadem n.
derision n.
heinous adj.
adversary n.
7.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which word is a synonym for the first word in the list?
1. diadem
pump
crown
band
2. derision
mockery
separation
enforcement
3. heinous
moral
evil
helpful
4. adversary
challenger
lawyer
judge
7.3 Reading Assignment: Job, chapters 25–31
7.4 Recall Questions
1. What is naked before God?
2. In Greek mythology, Atlas holds the earth upon his shoulders. According to Job, upon what
is the earth hung?
3. Who has vexed Job’s soul?
4. What does Job “hold fast”?
5. In chapter 27:8-23, Job talks about three different individuals. Who are they?
6. In the first few verses of chapter 28, Job states that there are many things that come from the
earth and are easily found. However, what two things cannot be bought with silver or gold?
7. Who looked to the ends of the earth to find these two things?
8. What is wisdom? (see verse 28:27)
9. What is understanding? (see verse 28:27)
10. Who now holds Job in derision?
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11. Who has “loosed my cord, and afflicted me”?
12. What is the simile found in verse 30:14?
13. What is the “house appointed for all living” that Job mentions in verse 30:23? (Hint: look at
the first part of the verse)
14. When Job looked for good, what came instead?
15. In verses 31:1-12, Job states that he did not commit what sin?
16. Job states that if he mistreated the poor and fatherless, then what does he say should happen
to his arm?
7.5 Critical Thinking

Bildad asks the most profound question that has ever been asked: “How then can man be
justified with God?” If a friend of yours asked you the same question, what would you say
to him?
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The Book of Job
Lesson Eight
8.1 Vocabulary
dainty n.
ensnare v.
8.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which word is a synonym for the first word in the list?
1. dainty
bucket
tidbit
money
2. ensnare
serve
release
trap
8.3 Reading Assignment: Job, chapters 32–35
8.4 Recall Questions
1. Why did the three men cease to answer Job?
2. Why is Elihu angry with Job?
3. Why is Elihu angry with Job’s friends?
4. Why did Elihu wait until the other men finished speaking?
5. Elihu tells Job that is he is going to represent who according to Job’s wish?
6. What saves the dying man from going down into the pit? (verse 33:24)
7. What verse in chapter 33 suggests a resurrection?
8. What will God surely not do?
8.5 Critical Thinking

According to Elihu, when does God open the ears of men and give them understanding? Is
this true today? Why or why not?

Elihu points out that because God is so far above us, our sins cannot affect Him; likewise,
our righteousness cannot help God at all. However, to whom does our wickedness and
righteousness affect? Discuss.
8.6 Bonus Thoughts

Elihu: In chapter 32, we learn who the author of the book of Job is. Notice in verses 32:7,
10, and 16-17 that Elihu uses the first person “I.” Elihu is an eye witness to the events that
took place in the previous chapters (32:11-12; 33:8).
The Book of Job / 19
The Book of Job
Lesson Nine
9.1 Vocabulary
swaddlingband n.
hind n.
crag n.
9.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which word is a synonym for the first word in the list?
1. swaddlingband
quiver
infant wear
haystack
2. hind
deer
rabbit
ox
3. crag
cavern
vale
cliff
9.3 Reading Assignment: Job, chapters 36–39
9.4 Recall Questions
1. What does God give to the poor?
2. Who establishes kings?
3. If kings obey and serve God, what happens to them?
4. What do hypocrites heap up?
5. What are the number of God’s years? (verse 36:26)
6. Out of what does God answer Job?
9.5 Critical Thinking

Referring to Elihu’s argument, explain how there are some things that we will never know
about God. Does this mean that we are not to attempt to completely understand God? Why
or why not?
9.6 Bonus Thoughts

The LORD begins to ask Job a series of rhetorical questions. A rhetorical question has an
answer that is so obvious that it need not be answered. What is the answer to the questions
being asked Job in chapter 38 and 39? Do you get the idea that the LORD knows a lot more
things than we do?
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The Book of Job
Lesson Ten
10.1 Vocabulary
gird v.
disannul v.
abase v.
covert n.
neesing n.
nether adj.
10.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Which word is a synonym for the first word in the list?
1. gird
chastise
encompass
defeat
2. disannul
cancel
fetch
entertain
3. abase
cook
travel
demean
4. covert
hideaway
small boat
walking stick
5. neesing
necessity
sneeze
threat
6. nether
lower
hard
swift
10.3 Reading Assignment: Job, chapters 40–42
10.4 Recall Questions
1. When the LORD speaks to Job, Job has to admit that he is what?
2. God admits that Job is able to save himself if Job can do certain things. What are just some
of these things? (verses 40:10-12)
3. Is Job, or anyone for that matter, able to do these things above?
4. Who created behemoth?
5. What verse suggests that leviathan can speak?
6. What are the “doors” to leviathan’s face? (see verse 41:14)
7. What comes out of leviathan’s mouth?
8. What comes out of leviathan’s nose?
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9. Over whom is leviathan king?
10. When he sees God, what does Job think about himself?
11. What does the LORD command Job’s friends to do?
12. Even though at one time Job thought he was at the point of death, how many more years
does he live after his affliction?
10.5 Critical Thinking

Explain how Job becomes a type of Christ in chapter 42.
10.6 Bonus Thoughts

According to the style in chapter 42, would you say this chapter is poetry or prose? Is the
style similar to chapters 1 and 2?

Behemoth: The word, behemoth, appears only this once in the Bible. Behemoth is not a
translation, but a transliteration of the Hebrew word “beasts.” In the English language, the
word has come to mean anything that is extraordinarily large and powerful. Speculation
runs rampant among scholars as to the identity of this beast. Suggestions range from an
elephant, a hippopotamus, or even the dinosaur, brontosaurus. However, from the
description given in chapter 40, what verses show that this beast is not an elephant or
hippopotamus? As for behemoth being a dinosaur, verse 40:23 seems to negate this idea.
Yet, there is a beast in the Bible that seems to be able to drink enough water to cause a flood
(Rev. 12:15-16, compared with Dan. 9:26). Also, consider verse 40:19. Would the “chief of
the ways of God” just happen to disappear from off the earth like the dinosaurs?
So, what is behemoth? Your guess is good as anyone else’s. However, this much we know:
behemoth is no ordinary animal. Remember one of the primary lessons learned from the
book of Job—our minds cannot comprehend everything about the ways of God.

Leviathan: While behemoth is difficult to identify precisely, leviathan, on the other hand,
is very easy. Most commentaries offer no help as to the identity of leviathan. Most state that
leviathan is either a whale or a crocodile. Read the description of this beast again from the
Bible. Have you ever seen a whale or crocodile breathing fire? Of course not. Can you make
a banquet of a whale or a crocodile (verse 41:6)? Yes you can. Can you fill a whale or a
crocodile with barbed irons (verse 41:7)? Sure you can. So, whatever leviathan is, he
definitely is not a whale or a crocodile. Besides, the LORD could have simply told us that
this creature here was a whale if he wanted to (see Job 7:12).
This creature is so terrifying that you will fall down dead by just looking at it (verse 41:9).
If you want to know the identity of leviathan, just read these following verses and you can
make your own conclusion: Ps. 74:13-14; Isa. 27:1; and Rev. 20:2 (be sure to use the
Authorized Version). Of course, you didn’t really need these Scriptures to learn the identity
of leviathan. Job 41:34 tells us clearly who leviathan is!
22 / The Book of Job
Glossary for the Book of Job
abase (…-b³s“) v. To lower in rank, prestige, or esteem
acquit (…-kw¹t“) v. To free or clear from a charge or accusation; to release or discharge from a
duty
adversary (²d“v…r-sμr”¶) n. An opponent; an enemy; the Devil; Satan
array (…-r³“) v. To set out for display or use; place in an orderly arrangement; to dress in finery;
adorn. By-word (bº“wûrd”) n. A proverbial expression; a proverb; an often-used word or
phrase; one that represents a type, class, or quality; an object of notoriety or interest
collop (k¼l“…p) n. A small portion of food or a slice, especially of meat
consolation (k¼n”s…-l³“sh…n) n. The act or an instance of consoling
covert (k¾v“…rt) n. A covering or cover; a covered place or shelter; hiding place; thick
underbrush or woodland affording cover for game
crag (kr²g) n. A steeply projecting mass of rock forming part of a rugged cliff or headland
dainty (d³n“t¶) n. Something delicious; a delicacy; a tidbit
daysman (d³z“m…n) n. Mediator
derision (d¹-r¹zh“…n) n. Contemptuous or jeering laughter; ridicule
diadem (dº“…-dμm”) n. A crown worn as a sign of royalty; royal power or dignity
disannul (d¹s”…-n¾l“) v. To annul or cancel
embolden (μm-b½l“d…n) v. To foster boldness or courage in; encourage
ensnare (μn-snâr“) v. To take or catch in or as if in a snare
envy (μn“v¶) n. A feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by a desire for the possessions
or qualities of another
eschew (μs-ch›“) v. To avoid; shun
estrange (¹-str³nj“) v. To make hostile, unsympathetic, or indifferent; alienate
fodder (f¼d“…r) n. Feed for livestock, especially coarsely chopped hay or straw
gin (j¹n) n. A snare or trap for game
gird (gûrd) v. To encircle with a belt or band; to fasten or secure with a belt or band; to
surround
grope (gr½p) v. To reach about uncertainly; feel one's way; to search blindly or uncertainly
heinous (h³“n…s) adj. Grossly wicked or reprehensible; abominable
hind (hºnd) n. A female red deer
integrity (¹n-tμg“r¹-t¶) n. Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code; the state of being
unimpaired; soundness
loathsome (l½th“s…m) adj. Arousing loathing; abhorrent
mire (mºr) n. An area of wet, soggy, muddy ground; a bog; a difficult condition or situation
neese (n¶z) v. To expel air forcibly from the mouth and nose
nether (nμth“…r) adj. Located beneath or below; lower or under
potsherd (p¼t“shûrd”) n. A fragment of broken pottery, especially one found in an archaeological
excavation
recompense (rμk“…m-pμns”) n. Amends made, as for damage or loss; payment in return for
something
remnant (rμm“n…nt) n. Something left over; a remainder; a surviving trace or vestige
restitution (rμs”t¹-t›“sh…n) n. The act of restoring to the rightful owner something that has been
taken away, lost, or surrendered; a return to or restoration of a previous state or position
The Book of Job / 23
scourge (skûrj) n. A source of widespread, dreadful affliction and devastation such as that
caused by pestilence or war; a means of inflicting severe suffering, vengeance, or
punishment; a whip used to inflict punishment
surety (sh‹r“¹-t¶) n. A pledge or formal promise made to secure against loss, damage, or
default; a guarantee or security; one who has contracted to be responsible for another’s
debts in the event of default
swaddling band (sw¼d“l¹ng b²nd) also swaddling clothes n. Strips of cloth wrapped around a
newborn infant to hold its legs and arms still
travail (tr…-v³l“) v. To work strenuously; toil; to be in the labor of childbirth
tabret (t²“brμt”) n. A small drum accompanying a pipe
24 / The Book of Job
The Book of Job
Vocabulary Quiz #1—Lessons 1–5
1. ______ In spite of his sufferings, Job kept his ____________, showing that abiding by a
code of standards was more important than cursing God.
(A) consolation
(B) envy
(C) gin
(D) fodder
(E) integrity
2. ______ Even though Job’s friends seemed like men of wisdom, the three men were
nevertheless like a man who ____________ for something familiar in the dark.
(A) acquits
(B) arrays
(C) eschews
(D) gropes
(E) travails
3. ______ When they saw Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar felt no ____________ for their old
friend, because Job seemed the most _____________ of creatures, being covered
completely with boils and sores.
(A) envy . . loathsome
(B) by-word . . arrayed
(C) integrity . . travailed
(D) gin . . eschewed
(E) potsherd . . acquitted
4. ______ Job believed since he tried to live his life in a righteous manner, his sufferings were
a poor payment and an unjust ______________ for such a life.
(A) array
(B) consolation
(C) envy
(D) recompense
(E) surety
5. ______ God noted how Job _____________ evil by avoiding the traps of falling into sin,
various _________ set by the world, the flesh, and the Devil.
(A) acquitted . . collops
(B) arrayed . . daysmen
(C) eschewed . . gins
(D) estranged . . mires
(E) travailed . . sureties
OVER
1
11. ______ Shall vain words have an end?
or what emboldeneth thee that thou
answerest? Job 16.3
6. ______
The most wealthiest man in Uz was the man
A
known as Job, who owned both lands and
B
C
animals in abundance. No error.
D
E
7. ______
The word “to embolden” means
(A) to dissuade.
(B) to encourage.
(C) to ignore.
(D) to search.
(E) to refuse.
Even though offering a daily sacrifice, the
A
worst fear was realized nevertheless when the
B
C
children were killed. No error.
D
E
8. ______
12. ______ If I sin, then thou markest me,
and thou wilt not acquit me from mine
iniquity. Job 10.14
The word “to acquit” means most
nearly in this sentence
Being a created being, Satan is numbered
A
among the angels, whom are called the sons of
B
C
D
God. No error.
E
9. ______
(A) to pardon.
(B) to lose.
(C) to repair.
(D) to remember.
(E) to scatter.
13. ______ Lay down now, put me in a
surety with thee; who is he that will
strike hands with me? Job 17.3
The Lord challenges Satan by claiming Job
A
will remain faithful to God even if he does not
B
fully understand the reasons for the trials set
C
D
upon him. No errors.
E
10. ______
The word “surety” means a
(A) trap.
(B) hole.
(C) guarantee.
(D) proverb.
(E) formation.
After seeing Job, his three friends were unable
A
B
to speak for seven days, since neither words of
C
comfort nor a smile help in such times of
D
misery. No errors.
E
CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE
2
Even though being the oldest book in the Bible, the forty-two
chapters of Job offers a remarkable, behind-the-scene look at the
14
15
spiritual world. No other book from ancient cultures give a detailed
16
account of the workings, intrigues, and conflicts, all of which is
17
in the unseen world. With only eyes to see the physical realm, human
beings are unable to appreciate the battle that takes place daily
centered around them. The book of Job begins with Satan wagering
18
with God that Job will abandon God whenever he loses all that the
wealthy man possess. Of course the Lord knows the heart of Job, and
19
challenges Satan to do his best to turn Job from the way of
righteousness. Indeed, Job loses everything: children, livestock, and
health. Nevertheless, even though he is bitter against his own life,
he’s never bitter towards God. Job realizes in the end that he is being
20
disciplined to endure hard times and to rely on the Lord God. Because
he trusted God, Job receives back much more than what he had lost.
STOP
3
14. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
had offered
will offer
offer
15. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
behind the scene
(behind the scene)
scene-behind
16. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
gives
gave
had given
17. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
which were
which are
that were
18. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
centered around it
centered around him
centered on them.
19. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
possesses
possessions
valuable things
20. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
he is
Job is
his
4
The Book of Job
Vocabulary Quiz #2—Lessons 6–10
1. ______ Job learned that he should _____________ himself before God, because the Lord is
greater in esteem than mere men.
(A) abase
(B) disannul
(C) ensnare
(D) gird
(E) neese
2. ______ Like Job, those who try to please God by living righteously will also be just a(n)
___________, since most of mankind desire to follow the path to destruction.
(A) adversary
(B) crag
(C) diadem
(D) remnant
(E) restitution
3. ______ While unseen to Job, his _______________ the Devil worked his wiles and tried to
________________ the righteous man to sin against God.
(A) remnant . . abase
(B) covert . . disannul
(C) adversary . . ensnare
(D) hind . . gird
(E) derision . . neese
4. ______ Since he could not see the purpose of life, which is full of sorrow and pain, Job
wished that God had _____________ his life and that he had never been born.
(A) abased
(B) disannulled
(C) ensnared
(D) girded
(E) neesed
5. ______ The three friends of Job seemed to be mocking the poor man, holding him in
______________, as though Job was an easy prey to an arrow, such as a ___________.
(A) diadem . . swaddlingband
(B) dainty . . restitution
(C) crag . . remnant
(D) covert . . neesing
(E) derision . . hind
OVER
1
11. ______ Job remarks that even though
he may have power and wear a diadem,
a king will nevertheless die eventually
like any common man.
6. ______
The three friend’s of Job, with whom Job had
A
B
argued, gave up trying to convince their
The word “diadem” means
unfortunate friend to repent from his supposed
C
D
wickedness. No error.
E
7. ______
(A) robe.
(B) breastplate.
(C) hood.
(D) crown.
(E) sword.
Even though he was the youngest in the group,
A
he nevertheless showed more wisdom than his
B
elders; yet, he remained silent until the others
C
D
could not answer Job. No error.
E
8. ______
12. ______ While trying to justify himself
in the sight of his friends, Job insisted
that he was never guilty of heinous
sins.
The word “heinous” means most nearly
in this sentence
(A) abominable.
(B) common.
(C) secret.
(D) overt.
(E) occasional.
After offering a lengthy discourse to the four
A
elder men, the conclusion of the argument
B
states that God is mighty and that
C
no man can fully understand Him. No error.
D
E
9. ______
13. ______ God describes Leviathan as
having a heart as hard as a nether
millstone.
The word “nether” means
(A) rock-like.
(B) round.
(C) broken.
(D) uppermost.
(E) lower.
When he finally sees God, Job declare that he
A
B
abhores himself, and he repents in dust and
C
ashes, which represent the basic nature of man.
D
No error.
E
10. ______
The Lord blesses Job with more wealth than
A
that which he had lost, and Job lives to be
B
C
very old and full of days. No errors.
D
E
CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE
2
Many great writers such as Victor Hugo, Thomas Carlyle, and Lord
Tennyson claims the book of Job is the greatest single piece of
14
literature in the world. This statement should prompt the reader to ask
what makes the book of Job so great. First of all, this book is about
real life. Job is a righteous man, who appears to suffer by the
15
hand of Satan most unjustly. Therefore, the myth that life is somehow
supposed to be fair is completely destroyed after reading it.
16
In addition to the above, in that it teaches about real life, the book
prepares the reader for the eventual troubles that will come their way.
17
Difficulties in life is the way God helps His children to rely on Him
rather than on themselves. The reader should notice that oftentimes
suffering doesn’t come about because of sin in one’s life. Indeed, Job
18
is not being punished or condemned. Job is being disciplined by his
Heavenly Father.
14. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
will claim
claim
should claim
15. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
whose
who’s
whom
16. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
them
often
the book of Job
17. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
his
its
the
18. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
don’t
do not
does not
19. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
offers
give
provides
20. A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
us
you
him
Also, this book offers a glimpse into the spirit world. No other works
of ancient literature gives an insight of the behind-the-scenes struggle
19
taking place around men daily. Also, the reader learns that Satan is
powerless to do harm to anyone, unless he has permission from
Almighty God. So, when troubles surround the soul, the Father is
merely trying to get him closer to Him. Therefore, problems in life
should offer some encouragement that the LORD knows about every
believer and watches them.
20
STOP
3
4
Answer Keys to The Book of Job
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 1
1. potsherd
2. integrity
3. eschewed
Lesson 1
1. Uz
2. He worried that his children may have sinned in their heart and cursed God.
3. Satan
4. Verse 11, Satan is telling the Lord that Job is not an upright man.
5. The Sabeans
6. The fire from heaven
7. The Chaldeans
8. A great wind from the wilderness
9. Their health
10. Job was covered with boils
11. Seven days and seven nights
12. He cursed his day
13. Job wish that he never was born (the day of his birth should have perished)
14. Death
15. Those who are in misery and bitter in soul
16. The loss of his children
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 2
1. loathsome
2. array
3. fodder
4. envy
Lesson 2
1. Job should be able to comfort himself.
2. Job has done some wickedness and was not innocent.
3. No, we know that Job was upright and yet suffered greatly.
4. A spirit passed before his face
5. Mankind; human bodies
6. Comparison between troubles and sparks; dying of old age and ripe grain
7. Eliphaz suggests that the child of God has a trouble-free life, which is not so. And wicked is
not punished oftentimes for their wickedness.
8. Famine, war, scourge of the tongue (lies),natural disaster, beasts, bad health, an early death.
9. Reason (searching)
10. His grief
11. The animals have enough to eat.
12. These are things without taste.
13. For God to kill him
1
14. He wants his friend to show him what he has done wrong.
15. Men’s days are numbered on the earth; life
16. The analogy refers to men who wait for the end of day when their labor is finished.
17. Days of life and weaver’s shuttle; life and wind
18. Clouds disappear and men disappear in the grave
19. Life
20. God
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 3
1. mire
2. acquitted
3. daysman
4. scourge
Lesson 3
1. Job’s words and strong wind
2. Tradition
3. Rhetorical question
4. A spider’s web
5. How can man be just with God?
6. Constellations
7. God is all wise and all powerful
8. Swift ships and eagles
9. A fierce lion
10. As darkness
11. A liar and a mocker
12. Job has done some great iniquity
13. Job needs to forsake his sin and seek God’s forgiveness
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 4
1. travail
2. recompense
3. consolation
4. collops
5. groping
Lesson 4
1. Having to get up early in the morning is hated by the person who wants to stay in bed.
2. That God is greater than man and that wickedness offends a holy God.
3. God
4. Job wants to reason with God
5. Withdraw God’s hand from him; let not God’s dread make him afraid
6. Man has few days and many troubles
7. Life comes forth like a flower that is quickly cut down; life is like a shadow
8. So long as the roots are good, the tree came send out shoots.
9. Will men live again; the Bible tells us about the resurrection unto life.
2
10. Job’s own words show that he is a sinner
11. Tradition
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 5
1. estranged
2. by-word
3. embolden
4. tabrets
5. surety
6. gins
Lesson 5
1. Job 16:2—”miserable comforters”
2. Job would strengthen them with his words
3. To the ungodly and to the wicked
4. Righteous men would be surprised at Job’s calamity
5. Job
6. God will punish the wicked
7. God
8. Yes, his words are written in a book
9. Job 19:25-27
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 6
1. indemnity
2. remainder
Lesson 6
1. The joy and power of the wicked is short.
2. Job’s complaint is to God.
3. The wicked have nothing to gain by serving God.
4. Both die
5. Job took pledges, stripped the naked of their clothing, didn’t give food or drink to the needy
6. Since Job did not take care of the needy, God in punishing him.
7. With clouds
8. Job 22:16
9. Get to know God
10. After God’s testing, Job will be like gold.
11. The word of God
12. They are gone and brought low.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 7
1. crown
2. mockery
3. evil
4. challenger
3
Lesson 7
1. Hell and destruction
2. Upon nothing
3. The Almighty
4. His righteousness
5. The hypocrite, the wicked man, and the rich man
6. Wisdom and understanding
7. God
8. Fear of the Lord
9. To depart from evil
10. Young men
11. God
12. The youth and breaking waves
13. The grave
14. Evil
15. Committed adultery
16. His arm should fall from his shoulder blade and should be broken
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 8
1. tidbit
2. trap
Lesson 8
1. Job was righteous in his own eyes.
2. Job justified himself and not God.
3. Job’s friends were unable to dispute him.
4. His was younger than they were.
5. God
6. Someone paid a ransom
7. Job 33:18-30
8. God will not do wickedness; nor vanity
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 9
1. infant wear
2. deer
3. cliff
Lesson 9
1. Right
2. God
3. They spend their years in prosperity and in pleasures.
4. Wrath.
5. We can’t know the number of God’s years
6. A whirlwind
4
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 10
1. encompass
2. cancel
3. demean
4. hideaway
5. sneeze
6. lower
Lesson 10
1. He is vile.
2. Deck himself with majesty and excellency; array himself with glory and beauty.
3. No, these are things that only God Almighty can do.
4. God did
5. Job 41:3
6. His mouth.
7. Fire and flame
8. Smoke
9. The children of pride
10. He hated himself and repented
11. They were to sacrifice seven bullocks and seven rams and to have Job pray for them.
12. 140 years.
5
Book of Job
Quiz #1
Book of Job
Quiz #2
1. E
2. D
3. A
4. D
5. C
6. A (double superlative)
7. A (misplaced mod.)
8. C (pronoun case)
9. E
10. D (S-V agreement)
11. B
12. A
13. C
14. D (S-V agreement)
15. A
16. B (S-V agreement)
17. C (verb agreement)
18. D (conversational form)
19. B (verb agreement)
20. B (contraction)
1. A
2. D
3. C
4. B
5. E
6. A (noun case)
7. B (indefinite subj.)
8. A (misplaced mod.)
9. B (S-V agreement)
10. E
11. D
12. A
13. E
14. C (S-V agreement)
15. A
16. D (vague object)
17. B (pro. agreement)
18. D (contraction)
19. C (S-V agreement)
20. D (pro. agreement)
6