Thank you for the question on the Book of Job, “Is it true that the Book of job in the Bible never happened?”
I believe the Book of Job is true. Here are my reasons why I believe so:
A. Natural calamities and maundering bands of men were common in the Old Testament. The loss of possessions and family members happens to anyone.
I just read in the news that a family of four killed in an auto accident and the house was robbed! The events of life is so unpredictable at least from a human perspective.
B. Physical ailments on Job was more severe than most cases in the Old Testament. For Job there was no cure for his sores that spread from the head to his feet. Was it some kind of skin rash or something worse? It’s not clear but Job was suffering in pain and in itches.
We read about physical ailments on someone’s body that makes them look horrible. Death seems more desirable than life for the pain and suffering. If one had some form of physical ailment, would we also wish that weren’t born at all so that one can avoid all that pain and suffering?
The loss of possessions and health is not uncommon then and even today. The question becomes the cause or reason for the sudden turn of fortune on Job. Does one believe that there are spiritual unseen forces? It depends on one’s perspective.
There are those who don’t believe in the existence of God so Job’s cause of sufferings is just natural causes. It’s just bad luck, an accident that can happen to anyone. It’s random chance.
There are those who believe in the existence of God and the testing of his people. Satan came and accuse God that Job only worships or obeys God for the blessings that has received. Take away his blessings and even his health, Satan’s accusation that Job would curse God and die. Job follows God for what he can get from God, not that he truly believes in God. Job’s response to his wife is correct.
Job 2 says this, “9 His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish[b] woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said” (NIV).
C. Natural words from friends can be cruel and harsh.
Who hasn’t heard cruel and cutting words from “friends” when they think that you deserved it. Words like, “You brought it on yourself.” or “You deserve it!” One may not say it out loud, but the posture and facial expressions says it all. The side comments on one’s misfortune is in the background. One can’t ignore the gossip talk by others. Words can be cutting and Job’s three friends cut deeply into his spiritual soul. They didn’t show compassion at all.
Personally, I think Satan’s charge against Christians are true. If we are blessed, we love God. If we are troubled, we question or deny his goodness, perhaps his existence.
Job is a book about loving God more than one’s possession, family, even oneself. Followers of God are called to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Quite often that declaration is tested to reflect what is truly in one’s heart, soul, and mind. It’s in the difficult time that one sees what one really believes. Would we say or think differently from Job if we were tested like him?
SUMMARY: The life experiences are real, but the causes may be accepted or doubted depending on one’s view of God.