Fatherhood

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. Job 1:1,2,4,5

Students of the bible readily identify Job with patience and suffering. There was more to Job’s life than that. Chapters 1 and 29 of the book of Job remind us that Job had a life before tragedy struck. Although much of the book of Job is dedicated to dialog in Heaven concerning Job’s spirituality or dialog in Job’s presence between his friends or between Job and his friends concerning Job’s spiritual purity, we do have this additional information in these two chapters that allow us to see the life of Job before his calamities. Job was a spiritual man who had moral integrity. Others knew about this based on their reported actions when Job came into their presence. It is noteworthy that Job was the richest man in the East yet he took on the role of defender for the fatherless and poor. Job was also a family man who had seven adult sons and three daughters. We state that the sons were all adults because it is written that each one of them lived in his own house and at the appointed, or agreed upon time, each son hosted a party for the rest of them and their sisters. There is no indication given that either Job or his wife was invited to these house parties. But when the partying was over, Job sent for them that he might present them to God for sanctification after Job offered burnt offerings for each one of them. Job expressed concern that his sons might have sinned against God in their heart in the midst of the partying and drinking. Even though they might have been on their best behavior, Job understood that sin is a heart problem before it ever becomes an action. The bible says that Job would get up early in the morning and offer sacrifices for each of his sons continuously. Job took on the role of priest for his family and stood in the gap between them and God. Although his sons were adults and on their own, Job saw a continuous need to pray for them that God might sanctify them.

I. Job had a Life before Tragedy Struck
A. His Family
B. His Wealth
C. His Spirituality

II. Job’s Example as a Father, Priest
A. Job Prayed for Each of Them, Continuously
B. His Sons were all Grown and Independent

III. Other Fatherly Examples in the Bible
A. Abraham, Protector of Lot
B. David, Provider for Solomon


God declares that he will be a father for the fatherless. In those declarations, God establishes that fatherhood involves protection and provision. God protects those that are defenseless in society and cannot fend for themselves. He provides for those that are in need and without means. He instructed Israel to always leave some grain in the fields for the gleaners (fatherless and widows) that they might be able to have supply with a sense of dignity. Jesus taught us the supreme example of fatherhood. Jesus taught that when we become part of God’s family we should address him as our Father. As our father, God protects us and he provides for us. The greatest provision God gives us is the opportunity to live with him throughout eternity. This life is only provided through his son Jesus.


Robert C. Hudson
June 21, 2009