The Story of Job

This play dramatizes the story of Job, a man of great faith tested by immense suffering. Beginning with a lighthearted exchange between a narrator and a friend, the tale unfolds as Job, a prosperous and righteous man, is targeted by Satan, who believes Job only serves God because of his blessings. With God’s permission, Satan strips Job of his wealth, family, and health. Despite his trials and the discouraging words of his friends, Job remains steadfast, demanding an explanation from God. In a dramatic climax, God appears, asserting divine wisdom and restoring Job’s fortunes.

The Story of Job blends humor, theological debate, and dramatic tension to explore profound themes of faith, justice, and human resilience.

Run-time: Approximately 50-60 minutes

Cast: 10+ (Flexible)

• Job – A wealthy, faithful man tested by suffering
• Narrator – Storyteller guiding the audience through events
• Friend – Narrator’s skeptical companion
• God – The divine figure overseeing Job’s trials
• Satan – The adversary challenging Job’s faith
• Job’s Wife – A woman struggling with Job’s suffering
• Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar – Job’s friends who try to explain his suffering
• Gabriel – A loyal archangel in God's court
• Servants – Various messengers delivering news to Job
• Angels & Other Heavenly Beings – Members of God’s court

Biblical Reference:

• Job 1-42 – The Book of Job, exploring themes of faith, suffering, and divine justice.

JOB - A PLAY

ACT 1: THE TALE BEGINS

SCENE 1: Anywhere you like

(Enter NARRATOR and FRIEND.)

NARRATOR: Let me tell you a story.

FRIEND: Right! Once upon a time…

NARRATOR: No, not a fairy story. It’s true.

FRIEND: Honest injun?

NARRATOR: Yes.

FRIEND: Gospel true?

NARRATOR: Exactly!

FRIEND: Cross your heart and hope to die?

NARRATOR: Shut up and listen!

FRIEND: OK. (Strikes a listening attitude)

NARRATOR: There was once a man called Job. Spelt J-O-B.

FRIEND: Like an odd job man?

NARRATOR: No, he was a foreigner. Foreigners sometimes have funny names. His name was Job. Spelt "job" pronounced "Jowb."

FRIEND: Right! A foreigner with a funny name.

NARRATOR: Job came from a country called Uz, spelt U-Z.

FRIEND: Pronounced "Ooze."

NARRATOR: No, just "Uz."

FRIEND: Just Uz two you mean?

NARRATOR: Don't be daft. Just listen to the story, will you!

FRIEND: OK.

SCENE 2: HEAVEN

(A number of ANGELS stand chatting or quietly busy—some acting as secretaries, messengers, serving wine, or standing guard. Some are playing musical instruments. The setting has the flavor of an oriental court, without excessive glitz. GOD is seated on a throne, the real focus of everyone’s attention. There is a sudden hush, then a shocked murmur, as SATAN enters, brushing aside the startled guards. He trails a cloud of sulphurous smoke behind him. Some of the angels cough or hold their noses.)

GOD (Not at all put out by this intrusion): Well, Satan, what do you want? Where have you been?

SATAN (Defiantly, trying to hide a fear he would never admit): I've been down on Earth, looking over my estates there. It's a comfort to know I still have a little corner of the universe to call my own. (Bitterly) No thanks to you!

GOD: Not quite your own, I believe, not even there. Haven't you noticed a man called Job? He will never be yours.

SATAN: And why is that? Because you wrap him up in cotton wool! Look at him—rich, successful, happy. You protect him so well I can't even give him the occasional bad dream or row with his wife! I had hoped to get at him through his children—not such goody-goodys as their dad—but the old man will keep on praying for them all the time. And you answer his prayers! It’s not fair! Of course, Job's good! How can he be anything else, the way you look after him? He knows which side his bread is buttered. If you took away his health and wealth, he would curse you to your face. You know that!

GOD: I know nothing of the sort! Job isn't like that.

SATAN: All right, prove it. Let me get at him—you'll see what he's really made of!

GOD (With a slight sigh): Very well, you may take away his wealth and everything he has, but don’t touch Job himself, or you will have me to answer to. Is that clear?

SATAN: Yes, thank you. That will do nicely! (EXIT SATAN)

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