cycle. In this cycle Job's friends argue that his afflictions are just
the kind that would come to one who yielded to temptations such as
those to which he is subject. In each of the three cycles of
discussion with his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, each argues
with Job except that Zophar remains silent in the third cycle. They
speak in the same order each time. (5) Elihu shows how Job accuses God
wrongly while vindicating himself and asserts that suffering instructs
us in righteousness and prevents us from sinning. (6) God intervenes
and in two addresses instructs Job. In the first address, Job is shown
the creative power of the Almighty and his own folly in answering God
whom animals by instinct fear. In the second address, Job is shown
that one should know how to rule the world and correct its evils
before one complains at or accuses God. (7) Job prays and is restored.

Purpose. The purpose of the book, then, is to justify the wisdom and
goodness of God in matters of human suffering and especially to show
that all suffering is not punitive.

Job's temptation. Job's temptation came by stages and consisted
largely in a series of losses as follows: (1) His property, (2) His
children, (3) His health, (4) His wife's confidence-she would have him
curse God and die. (5) His friends who now think him a sinner, (6) The
joy of life-he cursed the day of his birth, (7) His confidence in the
goodness of God-he said to God, "Why hast thou set me as a mark for
thee?" In his reply to Elihu he doubts the justice if not the very
existence of God.

Analysis.

I. Job's Wealth and Affliction. Chs. 1-2.