[Job’s] sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them … and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job 1:4–5 NKJV
There are important lessons on family life here. God had given Job a large family. His seven sons and three daughters enjoyed each other’s company, even when grown. They were a happy family spending frequent times together. The sons treated their sisters as equals, something not customary in these times so long ago.
Job sent and sanctified each one, offering burnt offerings for them all after their feasting together. Burnt offerings typify Christ in wholehearted devotion offering Himself as a sacrifice to God. Job apparently had not been at their parties, so he accused them of nothing. But he realized that it was possible that they might have sinned. Our actions and words can be sin, as can the thoughts of our hearts. Sad to say, we do not hear of Job feeling a need to offer any sacrifice for himself.
We read of Job’s wife—not wives and concubines as many others in God’s Word. When his wife saw his painful distress and suggested he curse God and die—terrible advice!—Job’s reply was mild, yet firm: “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” God says, “In all this, Job did not sin with his lips” (2:10).
How crucial for a husband, knowing his own weaknesses, to treat his wife lovingly! As it now is often harder for families to be together in person, how much the more vital it is for parents to lift up their children and grandchildren to the Lord in prayer. These responsibilities do not end when our children are grown.