some mathematical preliminaries

brackets in mathematics are used for grouping and clarity.
brackets may also be used to indicate multiplication.
brackets are used in functions to declare the independent variable.

powers: positive whole numbers such as 2 3 , which means 2 X 2 X 2 = 8:

(anything) 3 = (anything) X (anythng) X (anything)

(x)3 = x X x X x

(x +4) 5 = (x+4)(x+4)(x+4)(x+4)(x+4)

Note:
Brackets (A) (B) or A X B or AB
all indicate A multiplied by B.

Variables and letters: When we don't know the value of the quantity, we give that quantity a symbol such as x. We may then make general statements about the unknown quantity, x, for example, "For the next 15 weeks, if I save x per week I shall have $4000 to spend on a holiday".  This statement may be expressed as a mathematical equation:

15 X weekly savings = 4000
15 X x = 4000 or 15x = 4000

Now  that the statement has been reduced to mathematical equation, we may solve the equation for the unknown, x:

15x = 4000
15x/15 = 4000 /15 divide both sides of the equation by 15

x = 266.67

Square roots : the square roots of a number is the reverse of squaring:

(2) 2 = 4 -->  sq root 4 = 2

(2.5) 2  = 6.25 --> sq root 6.25 = 2.5

The Story of Job

The book of Job tells the story of a good man overwhelmed by troubles. He is stripped of his wealth, his family, his health. He does not know why God has done this to him. Only the reader knows that God is trying to prove to the Devil that Job's faith is genuine. Three friends come to console him in his misery, and the four engage in a long discussion. The friends try to explainwhat has happened by connecting Job's sufferings with his sins. Job rejects their theory. Instead of accepting their advice to repent and so make peace with God, Job insists on his own innocence and questions the justice of God's treatment.

at this point a new character, elihu, appears and makes four speaches which he thinks will solve the problem; but this does not seem to make any difference. eventually the Lord Himself addresses Job. These speaches change Job's attitude, for he responds with contrite submission. In the end God declares Job to be in the right and restores his prosperity and happiness.

Upon this simple plot an unknown writer of superlative genius has erected a monumental work. The most persistent questions of the relationship of men to God have been given powerful theological treatment in verse whose majesty and emotion are unsurpassed in any literature, ancient, or modern.