Big Idea: Despite increased adversity, Job reasserts his complete commitment to the sovereign Lord.

Understanding the Text

Job 2 completes the prologue, which sets the scene for a thorough discussion of a godly response to adversity. Much of the language of 1:6–22 is repeated and intensified in 2:1–10, as the writer uses the technique of repetition with variation to build suspense and interest. When Yahweh’s words in 2:3 are compared to his earlier description of Job in 1:8, it is evident that the first round of adversity has not subverted Job’s righteous character.

The arrival of Job’s three friends in 2:11–13 serves as a literary bridge to the extended dialogue section in chapters 3–31. As these wisdom experts sit in silence with Job for seven days, the dramatic tension builds, until …