I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee. Job chapter 42, verse 5.

Hey listeners, this is Nick from Book of Mormon Central, and today's podcast addresses the question,

how can the book of Job teach us about the temple?

Although the book of Job raises very challenging questions, it rewards careful and faithful reading.

While it has often impressed literary scholars with the beauty and eloquence of its Hebrew poetry,

it has not been written like one would expect when reading a normal history.

But these may not be our only options.

Because the book of Job asks penetrating questions regarding the nature of God,

his justice and mercy, and the trials of mortality,

Sterling argues that Job's experiences are presented in the form of an ancient temple ascent text,

which culminates with the hero, in this case Job, being admitted into the presence of the Lord.

Sterling argues that contrary to what many readers may assume, the book of Job is not primarily about suffering.

It's about a journey from blissful ignorance through darkness and bitterness to a transformed relationship with God.

Along the way, Job raises many existential questions related to a process of growth and

becoming. Specifically, Sterling proposes that the two great questions asked by Job are,

one, is it worthwhile to worship God for his own sake apart from material gain?

And two, can man, by coming to earth and worshiping God,

enter into a process of becoming that allows him to participate in God's life and being?

These concerns are meaningfully answered as Job undertakes a sacred and spiritual journey,

overcomes his fallen condition,

and returns back into God's presence, being redeemed from his own personal fallen state.

The prologue presents Job in ideal circumstances. He is a valued member of the community,

...