¹² The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. ¹³ And he also had seven sons and three daughters. ¹⁴ The first daughter he named Jemimah, the second Keziah and the third Keren-Happuch. ¹⁵ Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers.
¹⁶ After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. ¹⁷ And so Job died, an old man and full of years. (Job 42:12-17)

I originally studied and wrote Job’s story from his wife Sitis’ point of view in the mid-1990s. Now, in 2023, as I reread the Biblical account, I am struck by how the story ends.

Job had seven sons—but we are not given their names. He has three daughters. Not only are they named, but they are described and granted a full inheritance alongside their brothers. This is unusual in Job’s time and place.

How should I react? “Take that, boys. Step aside, because the beautiful sisters are here. You have to split that inheritance ten ways this time. Na na na na.” Or, “It’s about time women got their just rewards!”

To do that would be to declare myself a victim who is getting revenge on her oppressors. There is too much of this attitude going around today. Instead, I am overwhelmed by God’s mercy and love to the whole family who are living in relationship with God and each other.

I also find myself asking who I identify with in this story? Whose side am I on? Have I ever challenged God? Am I the one who knows it all, spouts judgment and advice, and later must repent of my audacity and ignorance? Would I have been as willing to pray for those who dissed me as Job was? Am I only blessed if I am wealthy and privileged?

And, most importantly, what do I know and believe about God?

God is God (Hallelujah!), and I’m not. I am a sinner. I cannot earn my way to heaven. Yet, I’m not a victim, but a child of God. God chooses, adopts, and love me. I am blessed. And in the good times and bad, I have learned to be content. Because I know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

I am a grandma. Guess what verse really delighted me.

¹⁶Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. 

Wow! What a gift to die old and “full of years” (verse 17), surrounded by a loving family.