SUMMARY
Job lives to see his children and his children’s children, four generations, and then he dies in good old age.
ANALYSIS
Job lives to see four generations of his family, and then he dies, “old and full of days.” This description of Job’s death deliberately echoes the descriptions of the deaths of AbrahamGod promised that Abraham would become the father of a great nation, receive a land, and bring blessing to all nations. More and IsaacSon born to Abraham and Sarah in fulfillment of God's promise. More (Genesis 25:8; 35:29). Job, like those patriarchsOriginally patriarchs were men who exercised authority over an extended family or tribe. The book of Genesis introduces Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the three patriarchs of the people of Israel. More, has gone through trials but he has also had a full life, lived in relationship with the Creator God.
While there is no hint in this passage of a belief in resurrection, the movement of the Book of Job participates in a kind of resurrection hope. After a death of sorts, after experiencing profound suffering, Job comes out on the other side into life again. His name and his memory will live on in his children and his children’s children, and in all those who read his story.
