Edinburgh, June 18th 1952.

The writer of this Foreword expresses his deep conviction that this exposition of the book of Job sheds much

light on the great unfolding purpose of the ages. We are here brought face to face, not only with the problem of

suffering, but with the problem of evil and its relation to the creation of man. He who would stand fast amid the

pressure of events must learn the lessons taught in this great book of Job.

At the outset we are brought to the very heart of things. The author draws back the curtain and shows how this

ancient record came into the hands of one `learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians'. Here, Moses would read for

the first time truths that form part of the book of Genesis; Adam's sin, the Sons of God, the majesty of the Creator

and the vastness of His handiwork.

Not only so, but here he would read of a Redeemer who lived, of a Ransom provided, and of a hope that through

Him man may be raised from sleep in the dust of the earth. It may well be that the reader's heart will burn within

him as he turns the following pages, but the conclusion is inescapable that such a book would not only influence but

impart power and wisdom to the man chosen to be the deliverer and lawgiver of Israel.

To many the book of Job is a record of unrelieved gloom, with Job longing to be where `the wicked cease from

troubling, and the weary are at rest'. This however is only part of the truth revealed. Suffering is answered by

comfort and consolation, reproach and loss give place to honour and blessing. The fruits of victory are given to one

who by his faith endured and overcame.

The reader's conviction steadily deepens that the truth of this ancient book applies in principle to his own day.

In conclusion, we find here keys to unlock some of life's enigmas: Genesis 3 will be read with new understanding,

and the veil is drawn aside as we see the adversary of man in his corrupting, spoiling work. Not only do we perceive

the cause of Job's sufferings, but we are enabled to view the history of Israel in a fresh light. Though God may

speak in divers ways and manners, we perceive one underlying purpose, a consistent unity and integrity throughout

the inspired range of revealed truth. Here indeed is a work that will build up the believer and give an inheritance

among all that are sanctified.