Aside from the sheer enjoyment of messing with him, what was God's point with Job?

Answer 1

I thought the book of Job was just put there to show readers the entire bible could be fiction (could so!). Many people roll right past that and take the whole megillah as FACT.

Answer 2

Satan was the one giving Job affliction, God told Satan not to kill him, it was a protection for Job.

Satan questioned man, that he will forget God, curse him and leave him if he experience pain, so he did all those to Job but Job remained faithful...he never knew that it was Satan who was causing him to suffer, but actually that it was God.

We face the same question everyday...Satan, the one who accusses us day and night wants us to turn our backs against God. God on the other hand advices us Be wise my son and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to the one who is taunting me. Proverbs 37:11

Say, there is a family and a neighbor accusses that the Father is not being a good Father to his son or that his son is cruel to his father...but these are all lies....who would give an answer to the accussations? The son will of course prove that their Father is not what he is accused of and so would the FAther to his son.

Answer 3

The devil posed a question to God. "Job only serves you because you protect him and he prospers on that account. If I took away all you gave him he would curse you to your very face."

In questioning Job's faithfulness he was questioning all mankind's loyalty to God. Suggesting mankind only serves God for selfish reasons. So it was the devil that messed with Job not God.

God does assure us if we remain faithful we make his heart rejoice and he can use us as fine example whenever the Devil taunts him.

Answer 4

It was Satan "messing" with Job not God
Job 1:12 (King James Version)
12And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

Answer 5

Lets play What if..
What if Job was an example to others? What if Job, by his faith, helped others over thousands of years, helped those going through rough times. What if Job helped people to not loose their faith and be saved. What if Job, after going through HELL got one of the biggest rewards in all of heaven? What if later, after understanding and knowing how he helped countless souls was glad he went through hell.
What if?

Answer 6

It was to prove to Satan that Job will stay faithful to him no matter what happens. After God and Job had proved Satan a lier, Job was blessed by God.

Answer 7

God was proving to satan that he had a tottally loyal follower who would not sell out his belief no matter what was inflicted upon him and he did and was greatly rewarded by God

Answer 8

To prove to satan that Job was faithful NOT because God had given him so much, but because he truly reverenced God. Satan lost and is still loosing. God loves us all.

Answer 9

Job is such an interesting tale.

While some view it as how great God is and how strong faith can be, it's interesting when you view it objectively. Let us frame the story in a different religion.

So, Odin is going along, and Loki pops out of a bush and surprises Odin. Without provocation, Odin proudly says, "Loki, you're so pathetic. Why, look at my worshipper Bjobn. He does me proud and will always worship me."

Loki says, "Oh yeah, Odin?"

And Odin says, "Yeah!"

Loki says, "Well, that's only because you won't let me jack with him. If you drop your protection, I'll make Bjobn hate you."

So Odin defiantly says, "Do your worst. Bjobn will know that I left him, and he'll still praise me. I shouldn't have to prove myself to you, Loki, but I will because I'm so insecure."

So, without any of Odin's blessings, Bjobn lost his livelihood. Struck poor, Bjobn said, "Okay, so Odin did not provide for me. That's okay. I still like him." Then Bjobn's family was killed. Widowed, Bjobn said, "This sucks, but I'll persevere. It's not like Odin will let me suffer boils or anything like that." Well, then Loki gave Bjobn boils. Finally Bjobn said, "You know what? I've been praising Odin all my life, but I guess I'm wrong. Odin's a big jerk!"

Well, this raises Odin's ire, and he comes down to yell at Bjobn. He says, "Hey, I made you, you little punk, so you need to worship me. I made you and I can break you! Did you create the Midgard Serpent? No? Do you make it rain? No? Then shut up! I need your worship, and I will get it, no matter what I decide to let happen to you. So, what do you say, insignificant mortal?"

And Bjobn looked up and said, "You're right. I can't compete with you. So, despite your lack of morality, you are the only one who deserves my respect. I'm sorry."

And Odin walked away pleased with himself for having such loyal followers.

So, God simply needed affirmation of his own power.

Answer 10

I've always said god has a nasty sense of humor.