Who Wrote The Book of Job? | Author, Background & Meaning
The Book of Job is one of the most profound and poetic writings in the Old Testament of the Bible. It addresses the timeless question of human suffering, divine justice, and faith in God. But one of the most common questions scholars and readers ask is: Who wrote the Book of Job?
The Authorship of the Book of Job
The exact author of the Book of Job remains unknown. Unlike other biblical books that are directly attributed to prophets, kings, or apostles, Job does not mention its writer. However, several theories have been proposed:
-
Moses – Some Jewish traditions suggest that Moses may have written Job during his time in Midian, making it one of the oldest biblical texts.
-
Solomon – Others believe King Solomon, known for his wisdom and poetic style (as seen in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes), could have authored the book.
-
An Ancient Hebrew Poet or Scribe – Many modern scholars argue that the book was written by an unknown inspired Hebrew poet, possibly around the time of the Babylonian exile.
When Was the Book of Job Written?
The book’s setting appears very ancient, possibly during the patriarchal period (same era as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). This is based on Job’s lifestyle, wealth in livestock, and lack of references to the Law of Moses or Israelite history.
Scholars estimate the writing to be between 7th and 4th century BCE, though its story could have originated much earlier.
Why Is the Authorship Important?
While we may never know who wrote the Book of Job, its timeless message is what matters most. The book teaches about:
-
Faith during suffering
-
The limits of human wisdom
-
God’s sovereignty and justice