My text is "Jensen's Survey of the Old Testament." He has an orthodox, consistent hermeneutic in his interpretation. This is an essential text used in many conservative colleges.
But the best source is reading through prayerfully and interrogating the book, spread over about a month, meeting with a pastor and talking about the text.
The first observation both of us made is: we were taught wrong. Pastors and other Christians are drawn into the events of chapters 1&2. Let's face it, it is dramatic reading the only time God and Satan converse after the fall, on the subject of a faithful man; all the while imagining what conversations God is having about us- to Satan. A lot of stuff happens between chapters 3-40, and then everyone's attention is drawn to Job's restoration in chapter 42.
NO one ever preaches the in-between chapters.......ever. So, we are taught that bad stuff happens, God offers no explanation, but restores a faithful man in the end. Roll the credits.....that is all Job has to offer.
But there is a lot more, and it doesn't take too much effort to find it. Give me your head-scratchers and I'll give you a clearer breakdown next time.
According to Jensen, the main theme of Job is: "Knowing God Better Through Adversity."
Upon reflection, I think a better rendering would be: "God Uses Adversity to Call his people to Repentance." As we go through it, you can consider which one fits best.
Have fun with it.
Well, this is going to take a while.