The Book of Job (איוב) is one of the books of the Hebrew Bible. The name Job or Yob ("Yobe") means Hostility in Hebrew. Job is a didactic poem set in a prose framing device.
The subject is the trial of Job, its occasion, nature, endurance, and issue. It consists of
An historical introduction in prose (ch. 1,2).The controversy and its solution, in poetry (ch. 3-42:6). Job's desponding lamentation (ch. 3) is the occasion of the controversy which is carried on in three courses of dialogues between Job and his three friends. The first course gives the commencement of the controversy (ch. 4-14); the second the growth of the controversy (15-21); and the third the height of the controversy (22-27). Job puts God on trial through an "Oath of Innocence" (Job 27-31). This is followed by a resolution of the controversy in the refreshingly original concepts incorporated in the speeches of Elihu preparing the way for the address of Jehovah, followed by Job's humble confession (42:1-6) of his own fault and folly. Job's repentance is pivotal to the story as being the ultimate purpose for the entire ordeal, with restoration by Jehovah's great mercy and compassion being the crowning climax.The third division is the historical conclusion, in prose (42:7-15).It is possible that the introductory and concluding sections of the book were composed by a different author than the body of the book, perhaps by Elihu himself in prophetic role.
The words of Elihu are integral to the account, since his discourses are preparatory for the Lord appearing out of the storm. No one responds to him, almost as if what he says is prophetic, inspired and sent by Jehovah Himself in human form.