Full of Unknowns

I have three things I wish to make note of today.

The whole earth is in the hands of the wicked, and God blinds the eyes of the judges.  If he’s not the one who does it, who is?  [Job 9.24]

First, in Chapter 9, Job clearly has had no training or has gained no understanding of Satan.  Whoever originally penned Job's story obviously knew at the time the story was actually recorded or repeated, but Job did not.  Our perception then, is that Job was wrong in what he said.  In regard to the date of Job, this brings up a very interesting point.  Adam and Eve became acquainted with the "serpent" but did they come to know him as Satan?  If so, how then was Job ignorant of his existence?

Secondly, further on in Chapter 9 Job makes another revealing statement:

If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together.  [Job 9.33]

Job was not only ignorant of Satan, but he was also ignorant of any "promise" (as in the whole concept of Abraham).  Job gives no indication of any idea of a Redeemer although he certainly recognizes his need for one.  This would further lead me to believe that Job's existence possibly even predated Abraham.

My third observation today is a bit confounding...  As I understand it, historians and theologians haven't always thought Job's story took place so early in history.  How could that have possibly been the case if, in fact, the Jewish people were so careful - even painstakingly meticulous - to preserve their sacred documents?

There is much left to some serious historical 'digging' or simply left to speculation, but one thing is for sure, the early manuscripts, including Job, are full of unknowns.

Father, I want to keep my heart and mind open (to You) regarding the earliest history of mankind's relationship with You.  Help me, by the direction of Your Holy Spirit, to piece together the fragments of knowledge provided and get a more accurate 'big picture' of Your Story.