The Book of Job is said to be the oldest book in the entire Bible. It is difficult to predict exactly when it was written, because the stories within it are not connected at all with the nation of Israel. In fact, Job himself was not an Israelite. Unlike other books of the Bible—where even if the authors are unknown, one can easily determine the historical period based on the content (whether during the time of the Judges, the Kings, or the New Testament)—Job stands out as quite unique.
It is estimated that Job lived 9 that existed but were not included in the Bible. For example, the Book of Jashar, mentioned in:
2 Samuel 1:18
“…and he gave orders that the people of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar).”
Yet, we see something different with Job. While in the midst of his suffering, Job longed for his words and experiences to be permanently recorded, carved in stone, so that future generations would know what he went through. Perhaps Job didn’t realize that God was listening, and that his desire would be fulfilled quite literally.
Job 19:23–26 (NIV)
“Oh, that my words were recorded,
that they were written on a scroll,
that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead,
or engraved in rock forever!
I know that my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God.”
Because of that heartfelt cry, Job’s words were indeed recorded and preserved as part of the Holy Scriptures—and that’s why we can read them even today.
The Iron Pen
An iron pen is very different from an ordinary pen. A normal pen writes with ink, and if you make a mistake, you can easily erase or overwrite it. But an iron pen doesn’t use ink—it engraves. It cuts deep into hard surfaces like stone or wood. Artists and engravers understand this well—it’s like a drill. Once something is carved, even a small mistake can ruin the whole piece. There’s no going back.
That’s why Job’s words have remained for generations—they were engraved, not just written.
And this shows us something powerful:
Even in the spiritual realm, there is an “iron pen” God uses—not just to record good deeds and acts of righteousness, but also sins and transgressions.
Once engraved, these records are permanent—unless erased by true repentance and the mercy of God.
When Sin Is Written with an Iron Pen
In the days of the kings of Israel, the people greatly sinned against God. Despite the Lord sending His prophets to warn them, they ignored the warnings, mocked the messengers, and killed some. Eventually, God engraved their sin permanently, and forgiveness was no longer possible.
Jeremiah 17:1 (NIV)
“Judah’s sin is engraved with an iron tool,
inscribed with a flint point,
on the tablets of their hearts
and on the horns of their altars.”
When this happened, disaster came. The Babylonians and Assyrians invaded, killing many, taking others captive, and burning the city. Even though the people cried out in the end, God did not listen—because the time of mercy had passed. For more than 2,500 years, there was no nation called Israel—until it was re-established in 1948.
They couldn’t believe it—just like their forefathers in Egypt, they were again in captivity.
2 Chronicles 36:14–17 (NIV)
“Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the Lord…
The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people…
But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.
He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians…”
A Final Warning
Grace is not something to be played with.
Don’t continue piling sin upon sin. This world will not last forever. A day is coming when no one will be able to be saved—when the rapture occurs, even if people repent afterward, there will be no forgiveness.
Repent now, while there is still time.
The door of grace is still open. Heaven is calling. Open your heart now.
Job 19:25
“I know that my Redeemer lives…”
Be blessed. Please “share” this message with others, so that they too may hear the Gospel.