King Alfred: Job

In the writings of John of Wallingford (13th Century chronicler), he says the story of Job comforted the king during his time in the marshes.

Job (a wealthy and prosperous man) who was sifted by Satan and losses all he holds dear. He becomes so wretched and upset by his loss, he even curses the day he was born.

Job 3 v 1

After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.

The Biblical book continues with a discussion between Job, his wife and four friends, as they talk about suffering and why it happens. Ultimately, Job rejects all their arguments and eventually speaks with God.

The lesson from Job is that we are not God. We do not have the ability or the understanding to comprehend why events happen. Just as we can’t fully describe the beginnings of Creation, we can’t similarly have knowledge of why something happens to us. Was it our own fault or someone else’s decision to cause us pain? Or was it simply happenstance. Or was it a mix of all three.

This story would have helped King Alfred to humble himself to the Almighty, and then be open to learn what he needed to understand.

Also at the end of the Book of Job, we see God talk about Leviathan. This is a chaos beast from the ancient classical past. Whereas the stories from other cultures have chaos beasts being defeated by the head god, in the Bible we are told God commands it. He doesn’t fight it.

Job 42 v 11

Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me.

He even allows it to ‘frolic’ in the sea.

Psalm 104 v 26

There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

The arrival of the Great Heathen Army was like a leviathan to the Anglo-Saxons. Every time Alfred made, what he thought, was a binding agreement with them, they twisted like a snake and reneged. They caused chaos and suffering wherever they went.

If the Leviathan was commanded by God, could Guthram and his people be under God’s control too? Could God be using this invading army to chide the Anglo-Saxons?

Using this train of thought, Alfred came to the conclusion it was lack of moral quality which allowed the conditions for this invasion to happen.

After he exited the marshes and once again established the kingdom, he began extensive reforms. He improved education (both secular and religious) in the country, he built a standing army and constructed a series of defensive burhs for protection.

The story of Job helped King Alfred to understand the situation he was in and to forge a new path to an established Kingdom of Wessex.

Likewise, when our lives seem turned upside down, we should never give up on God. Like Job and King Alfred, we must continue to trust in God. When the worst of the worst happens, He is our only hope.

Job 13 v 15

Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him