A Dad Like Job: The Character of Job as an Exemplar Father

Abstract: Many might point to Job as an example of faithfulness and endurance in the midst of tragedy, but fewer may look up to Job as an example father. Yet Job 1:5 shows that Job’s regular practice was prioritizing his children’s spiritual lives and development. Job’s background helps set the groundwork for a story about family. He functioned as an exemplar household priest by offering sacrifices, maintaining “the divine order” in his household, and in discipling his family.

Kyle M. Taft, Ph.D., currently serves as a chaplain for Mosaic Life Care Hospice in St. Joseph, Missouri as well as an adjunct professor for the University of St. Mary (KS), Mid-America Nazarene University (KS), and Missouri Valley College (MO). He received his Ph.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.