The answer is: Seven

Job 1:2

Before Job faced his monumental trials, he was a proud father of seven sons, a number that holds its significance in the ancient world. In biblical times, sons were seen not just as part of one’s family but also as heirs and blessings from God. Seven, specifically, was often viewed as a number of completeness or wholeness, which gives added weight to Job’s deep sorrow when those sons—and indeed, all of his children—were taken from him in a tragic series of events.

Interestingly, the Book of Job is one of the oldest pieces of literature known to humankind, providing us not just a story of personal suffering, but also profound philosophical insights about humanity, righteousness, and our place in the moral universe. Job lived in Edom, considered today to be part of southwestern Jordan, which highlights how intertwined these ancient narratives are with specific geographical contexts.

As for trivia, it's worth noting that the discussions Job has with his friends range across many timeless themes—justice, faith, and human suffering—elements that are deeply relatable even to modern readers. Did you know that even the Hebrew word for "Job" might suggest "persecuted"? This reflects that his story resonates with many who feel unjustly burdened. The Book of Job invites readers not only to contemplate their own struggles but also to seek empathy and understanding in moments of loss, connecting all of us, regardless of time or culture, in our shared human experience.