Job 1:5

Upright himself, he had concern for his children. We do not read of his offering any sacrifice for himself, but Scripture tells us he did it for others. He is the earliest example we have of anyone acting this way — the first person in the record of Scripture who offered an offering for sins committed, and the first who ministered at the altar on behalf of others. Throughout the book of Genesis the one who officiated at the altar appears as the offerer as well. In Job's case it was different… He as a just one appeared before God for unjust ones.

This does not necessarily mean they gave themselves up to a life of self-indulgence and pleasure. But when each season of feasting ended, Job saw the danger: such pleasure might lead them into sin and disregard for God. So Job would rise early and offer burnt offerings for all of his children. That sanctified them — it set them apart from the ungodly world. This is more evidence that he lived in the time of Genesis, a book that mentions burnt offerings only. Israel's sin offerings, trespass offerings and peace offerings came later, in Exodus and Leviticus.

Job had a tender conscience. He wanted to make provision in case his children had sinned and "cursed God in their hearts." The Hebrew for "curse" is "bless," and the meaning is to renounce God, to forget and turn away from Him. Notice that Job feared such a thought of turning away from God might have entered their young hearts. That is where all turning away from God starts.

Job only recognized the possibility that they might, as the writer of Proverbs 30 feared for himself, "be full and deny You, and say, Who is the LORD?" (Prov. 30:9).

He clearly understood that none of them could be forgiven their sin unless someone offered a sacrifice on their behalf. So he offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. In his day that one sacrifice, which perfects believers forever, had not yet taken place. So Job sacrificed for his children as often as he thought they needed it. But we have not the slightest hint that he sacrificed twice to deal with the question of the same sin. In this he was ahead of many today, who have yet to learn what it is to rest on that one perfect sacrifice for sins. By it God has been glorified forever, and by it believers are perfected for all time (Heb. 10:14).

But Job needed to be tested. There was a deep moral root in his heart that had to come to light. There was self-righteousness that had to surface and be judged. We can see that root in his very words. He says, "It may be that my children have sinned." He does not seem to consider the possibility of sinning himself. A soul that has really judged itself, broken before God and aware of its own state, tendencies and capabilities, would think of his own sins and his own need of a burnt offering.

But that reads a meaning into his action from his later state. It seems only to show the concern of a man who feared God. He did not want his children giving way to temptations that are far too common in a life of pleasure. It seems to be mentioned as proof of the man's real piety.

This was the regular life of a godly man outside Israel, and the Holy Spirit clearly takes pleasure in recording it. No doubt it was the fruit of God's grace. Yet Job still had to learn both the God of grace and himself in His presence. That is indeed the great moral of the book.