Job 1

Job 1 introduces the character of Job, a righteous and wealthy man who experiences great suffering. It begins by describing Job’s integrity and prosperity, followed by a scene in heaven where Satan challenges Job’s faithfulness. God allows Satan to test Job’s loyalty, leading to the loss of his wealth, children, and health. The chapter highlights the theme of undeserved suffering and the testing of faith.

Job 1:1-5 (NKJV)
1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.
2 And seven sons and three daughters were born to him.
3 Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East.
4 And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.
5 So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly.

Job is introduced as a wealthy and righteous man who fears God and avoids evil. His wealth is vast, and his family is large, emphasizing his prosperity and high standing in the region. Despite his success, Job remains humble, regularly offering sacrifices for his children, concerned that they might have sinned unknowingly. This shows his devotion to God and his role as a spiritual leader for his family, always seeking to remain blameless before God.

Job 1:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.
7 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”
8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

In this passage, the scene is a cosmic council where representatives from various worlds gather in the presence of God. These beings, called "sons of God," are representatives of other created worlds, each of whom stands in loyalty to God. Satan, having gained dominion over Earth through Adam’s fall, appears as Earth's representative, though he is an intruder. In this council, God highlights Job as an example of faithfulness on Earth, challenging Satan’s claim that no one truly serves God out of love and loyalty. Satan argues that Job is only faithful because of the blessings he enjoys, suggesting that if his prosperity were removed, he would curse God. This interaction sets the stage for a test of Job’s character, allowing his life to serve as evidence in the great cosmic conflict between good and evil, showing that true faith in God persists regardless of circumstances.

Job 1:9-11 (NKJV)
9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?
10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

Satan challenges Job’s integrity, claiming that Job’s loyalty to God is only because of the blessings and protection he has received. Satan argues that if Job were to lose everything, he would no longer be faithful and would curse God. This challenge brings up the question of whether Job serves God out of love or simply because of the rewards he has received.

Job 1:12 (NKJV)
12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

God allows Satan to test Job but limits his power by forbidding him from harming Job physically. This sets the stage for the trials that Job is about to endure. God's permission shows that He remains in control, even over Satan, and that the test will be within certain boundaries.

Job 1:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house;
14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,
15 when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

Disaster strikes as Job begins to lose his possessions. The Sabeans, a nomadic tribe, attack and steal his oxen and donkeys, killing his servants. This sudden calamity marks the beginning of Job’s trials, as he loses significant parts of his wealth and workforce in one swift attack. The rapid nature of the calamity reflects the intensity of the test Satan has initiated.

Job 1:16-19 (NKJV)
16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,
19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

In quick succession, three more calamities strike. First, a fire destroys Job’s sheep and servants. Next, the Chaldeans raid his camels and kill more servants. Finally, a powerful wind collapses the house where his children are feasting, killing all of them. Job’s losses are total: his wealth, his workers, and, most painfully, his children. These tragedies happen almost simultaneously, intensifying the severity of his suffering.

Job 1:20-22 (NKJV)
20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.
21 And he said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

Despite the overwhelming grief and loss, Job responds with worship rather than anger. His tearing of the robe and shaving his head are signs of deep mourning, but he still acknowledges God’s sovereignty, stating that all he had was given by God and could be taken away by God. His faith remains intact, and he does not accuse God of wrongdoing, demonstrating remarkable strength and trust in God despite unimaginable suffering.