How should we view the abundant blessings that God bestowed on Job after Job’s period of suffering? Let us first state what these blessings are not:

• They are not the result of Job’s repentance. This is what Job’s friends suggested, when they tried to convince him to repent of his wickedness. However, Job refused to follow their advice. Although he confessed the sinful way in which he had defended his innocence, he never denied his innocence. Neither did God ask him to deny it.

• They are not a matter of divine justice. When God spoke to Job (Job 38:1 – 40:24), he never once defended the justice of his actions. Rather, he emphasized his own sovereignty. He can give and withhold blessings as he sees fit. This is also what Job confessed at the beginning of his trial, when he said, The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21).

How should we understand these blessings, then?

• They are gifts that God freely bestowed on Job.

• They prove that the dispute between God and Satan has come to an end. There is no more reason to allow Satan to test Job. (Of course, God has not revealed anything about this dispute to Job. Likewise, he does not reveal to us the specific reasons for our suffering. Yet we may be assured that God will not prolong our suffering without reason.)

• They are an encouragement to us. Satan still uses suffering to try and sow doubt and rebellion in the hearts of God’s children. In such times, we should remember Job’s perseverance and what the Lord finally brought about. From God’s dealings with Job, we should learn that he is compassionate and merciful (James 5:11). After all, we can look back on the cross of Jesus Christ. In Christ, the fullness of God’s love and mercy has been revealed to us.

Job’s trial and his subsequent prosperity were to the glory of God. God’s name is still glorified when his servants put their trust in him, regardless of their circumstances. And is his glory not our highest end?