Questions on the Book of Job

The Book of Job treats of the Problem of Evil. It is divided into two documents: (1) the framework story, that is, the Prologue and the Epilogue (Job 1:1-2:13; 42:7-17); and (2) the speeches by Job, his friends, and God. In the framework story, Job is presented as a just man who serves God in good times and bad (Job 1:21; 2:10). In the speeches, God is accused by Job of 'destroying the hope of man' (Job 14:19). God replies with an ad hominem argument: 'Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?' (Job 38:4). If God argues that it is unfair for humans to judge God, Job argues that it is unfair for God to judge humans.