The book of Job is not an explanation of “why” suffering happens.

Ezekiel 14: Noah, Daniel and Job are mentioned for having extraordinary righteousness. These three had unusually difficult circumstances given to them because of their standing with God. For this reason, they are perhaps not the best examples to try to understand why suffering happens.

But we know this…if Job suffered then so will we.

Job’s hope was not based on his
1. Righteousness,
2. Candid prayer life, or
3. Long-suffering perspective

Job was certain (hoped) that in the midst of his suffering, his skin literally being destroyed by illness, his family being crushed to death in an accident, in the middle of this moment there was someone on the earth that would come to his aid. A goel, or in English we say redeemer which can also be translated vindicator. One who stands up for another person and does for them what they cannot do for themselves. Job’s hope comes from believing, trusting, or as he says, “knowing” that his redeemer exists and will arrive to help.

The book of Job is an explanation of where hope comes from.