Job 1: Commentary - Enduring Faith in the Face of Unfathomable Loss
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered 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 did Job continually.
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.
And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.
And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:
And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:
And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:
And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
The book of Job plunges us into a world of profound suffering and unwavering faith. Job 1 sets the stage, introducing us to a man of exceptional character and immense tragedy, ultimately prompting us to consider the complexities of God's sovereignty and the nature of true devotion. This chapter is crucial for understanding the rest of the book and wrestling with difficult questions about suffering and faith.
Job's Character (Job 1:1-5)
Job 1:1 introduces us to Job, a man living in the land of Uz. The author wastes no time in establishing Job's outstanding character. He is described as "blameless" and "upright," one who "feared God and turned away from evil." This wasn't mere outward conformity; Job possessed genuine integrity, a wholeness and undividedness that permeated every aspect of his life. He wasn't one person at church and another in the marketplace. His moral compass wasn't just for show.
The phrase "feared God" speaks volumes. It indicates a deep reverence and respect for God's authority, shaping his decisions and actions. This fear of God was the foundation of his integrity. Furthermore, Job "turned away from evil," actively avoiding temptation and resisting wrongdoing. Job 31:1 offers a powerful example of this commitment, where Job states, "I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I look at a young woman?"
Job 1:2-5 reveals Job's blessings: ten children and immense wealth. The text emphasizes that Job acquired his wealth honestly, a significant detail highlighting his integrity. He was, in fact, "the greatest man among all the people of the east" (Job 1:3). More importantly, Job was the spiritual leader of his family. He acted as a priest, offering sacrifices on behalf of his children, fearing they might have sinned in their hearts (Job 1:4-5). This demonstrates his deep concern for their spiritual well-being and his commitment to interceding for them before God.
Job's piety and prosperity paint a portrait of a man blessed by God. Yet, this very blessedness becomes the subject of scrutiny in the heavenly realms.
The Heavenly Council (Job 1:6-12)
The scene shifts dramatically in Job 1:6, transporting us to a heavenly council where the "sons of God" present themselves before the Lord. Among them is Satan, who, for reasons known only to God, is still permitted access to His presence. This doesn't imply equality between God and Satan; rather, it reveals God's sovereign decision, for now, not to completely banish Satan (a fate reserved for the future, Revelation 20:10).
Satan's activity is described as "roaming through the earth" (Job 1:7), seeking to "devour" (1 Peter 5:8). It's a stark reminder of the spiritual battle raging around us. Remember that Satan was once a high-ranking angel, perhaps even the "shining morning star" (Isaiah 14:12), full of wisdom and beauty (Ezekiel 28:12). But pride led to his rebellion; he desired to be his own god. Thus, whenever we seek to control our own lives and reject God's authority, we echo Satan's rebellion.
In Job 1:8, God initiates a conversation about Job, highlighting his blameless and upright character. This is a pivotal moment. God, in His sovereignty, brings Job to Satan's attention, knowing what will follow. He essentially provokes Satan to question the motives behind Job's devotion.
Satan responds with skepticism: "Does Job fear God for nothing?" (Job 1:9). He suggests that Job's righteousness is merely transactional, a calculated response to God's blessings. This is the essence of the "health-and-wealth" theology, the idea that obedience guarantees prosperity. Satan argues that if God were to remove Job's blessings, Job would curse Him to His face (Job 1:10-11).
God grants Satan permission to test Job, but with a crucial limitation: "Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger" (Job 1:12). This divine boundary underscores God's ultimate control. Satan's power is always limited by God's sovereignty. God’s goal is to purify and sanctify Job, not to destroy him. This limitation offers comfort: even in our trials, Satan never has free reign.
The Calamities Strike (Job 1:13-19)
The consequences of this heavenly exchange are swift and devastating. In rapid succession, Job receives news of four catastrophic events: the loss of his oxen and donkeys to raiders, the destruction of his sheep by fire, the theft of his camels, and, most tragically, the death of all his children in a collapsed house (Job 1:13-19). The sheer scale and suddenness of these losses are almost incomprehensible. It is arguably the worst day of Job's life. While many have suffered loss, few have experienced such comprehensive disaster in such a short time.
Job's Response (Job 1:20-22)
Job's reaction to these overwhelming tragedies is remarkable. He tears his robe and shaves his head, traditional expressions of grief (Job 1:20). But then, he falls to the ground and worships (Job 1:20). This is the heart of Job's faith. In the face of unimaginable loss, he turns to God.
Job's words reveal a profound understanding of God's sovereignty: "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised" (Job 1:21). He acknowledges that everything he possessed was ultimately a gift from God, and God has the right to reclaim it. This is not a passive resignation but an active affirmation of God's goodness and authority.
Job 1:22 concludes with a powerful statement: "In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." Despite his immense suffering, Job maintains his integrity and refuses to blame God. He believes that whatever comes to him comes as part of God's wise purposes for him. This is not to suggest that suffering is always deserved or easily understood, but it is a testament to Job's unwavering faith in God's sovereignty and goodness.
Job 1 sets the stage for the rest of the book, raising profound questions about suffering, faith, and the character of God. It challenges us to examine our own motives for serving God and to consider how we would respond in the face of unimaginable loss. Job's story reminds us that true faith is not dependent on favorable circumstances but is rooted in a deep and unwavering trust in God's sovereignty, even when we cannot understand His ways. This chapter lays the groundwork for a powerful exploration of human suffering and the enduring nature of faith.
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered 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 did Job continually.
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.
And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.
And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:
And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:
And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:
And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
The book of Job plunges us into a world of profound suffering and unwavering faith. Job 1 sets the stage, introducing us to a man of exceptional character and immense tragedy, ultimately prompting us to consider the complexities of God's sovereignty and the nature of true devotion. This chapter is crucial for understanding the rest of the book and wrestling with difficult questions about suffering and faith.
Job's Character (Job 1:1-5)
Job 1:1 introduces us to Job, a man living in the land of Uz. The author wastes no time in establishing Job's outstanding character. He is described as "blameless" and "upright," one who "feared God and turned away from evil." This wasn't mere outward conformity; Job possessed genuine integrity, a wholeness and undividedness that permeated every aspect of his life. He wasn't one person at church and another in the marketplace. His moral compass wasn't just for show.
The phrase "feared God" speaks volumes. It indicates a deep reverence and respect for God's authority, shaping his decisions and actions. This fear of God was the foundation of his integrity. Furthermore, Job "turned away from evil," actively avoiding temptation and resisting wrongdoing. Job 31:1 offers a powerful example of this commitment, where Job states, "I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I look at a young woman?"
Job 1:2-5 reveals Job's blessings: ten children and immense wealth. The text emphasizes that Job acquired his wealth honestly, a significant detail highlighting his integrity. He was, in fact, "the greatest man among all the people of the east" (Job 1:3). More importantly, Job was the spiritual leader of his family. He acted as a priest, offering sacrifices on behalf of his children, fearing they might have sinned in their hearts (Job 1:4-5). This demonstrates his deep concern for their spiritual well-being and his commitment to interceding for them before God.
Job's piety and prosperity paint a portrait of a man blessed by God. Yet, this very blessedness becomes the subject of scrutiny in the heavenly realms.
The Heavenly Council (Job 1:6-12)
The scene shifts dramatically in Job 1:6, transporting us to a heavenly council where the "sons of God" present themselves before the Lord. Among them is Satan, who, for reasons known only to God, is still permitted access to His presence. This doesn't imply equality between God and Satan; rather, it reveals God's sovereign decision, for now, not to completely banish Satan (a fate reserved for the future, Revelation 20:10).
Satan's activity is described as "roaming through the earth" (Job 1:7), seeking to "devour" (1 Peter 5:8). It's a stark reminder of the spiritual battle raging around us. Remember that Satan was once a high-ranking angel, perhaps even the "shining morning star" (Isaiah 14:12), full of wisdom and beauty (Ezekiel 28:12). But pride led to his rebellion; he desired to be his own god. Thus, whenever we seek to control our own lives and reject God's authority, we echo Satan's rebellion.
In Job 1:8, God initiates a conversation about Job, highlighting his blameless and upright character. This is a pivotal moment. God, in His sovereignty, brings Job to Satan's attention, knowing what will follow. He essentially provokes Satan to question the motives behind Job's devotion.
Satan responds with skepticism: "Does Job fear God for nothing?" (Job 1:9). He suggests that Job's righteousness is merely transactional, a calculated response to God's blessings. This is the essence of the "health-and-wealth" theology, the idea that obedience guarantees prosperity. Satan argues that if God were to remove Job's blessings, Job would curse Him to His face (Job 1:10-11).
God grants Satan permission to test Job, but with a crucial limitation: "Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger" (Job 1:12). This divine boundary underscores God's ultimate control. Satan's power is always limited by God's sovereignty. God’s goal is to purify and sanctify Job, not to destroy him. This limitation offers comfort: even in our trials, Satan never has free reign.
The Calamities Strike (Job 1:13-19)
The consequences of this heavenly exchange are swift and devastating. In rapid succession, Job receives news of four catastrophic events: the loss of his oxen and donkeys to raiders, the destruction of his sheep by fire, the theft of his camels, and, most tragically, the death of all his children in a collapsed house (Job 1:13-19). The sheer scale and suddenness of these losses are almost incomprehensible. It is arguably the worst day of Job's life. While many have suffered loss, few have experienced such comprehensive disaster in such a short time.
Job's Response (Job 1:20-22)
Job's reaction to these overwhelming tragedies is remarkable. He tears his robe and shaves his head, traditional expressions of grief (Job 1:20). But then, he falls to the ground and worships (Job 1:20). This is the heart of Job's faith. In the face of unimaginable loss, he turns to God.
Job's words reveal a profound understanding of God's sovereignty: "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised" (Job 1:21). He acknowledges that everything he possessed was ultimately a gift from God, and God has the right to reclaim it. This is not a passive resignation but an active affirmation of God's goodness and authority.
Job 1:22 concludes with a powerful statement: "In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." Despite his immense suffering, Job maintains his integrity and refuses to blame God. He believes that whatever comes to him comes as part of God's wise purposes for him. This is not to suggest that suffering is always deserved or easily understood, but it is a testament to Job's unwavering faith in God's sovereignty and goodness.
Job 1 sets the stage for the rest of the book, raising profound questions about suffering, faith, and the character of God. It challenges us to examine our own motives for serving God and to consider how we would respond in the face of unimaginable loss. Job's story reminds us that true faith is not dependent on favorable circumstances but is rooted in a deep and unwavering trust in God's sovereignty, even when we cannot understand His ways. This chapter lays the groundwork for a powerful exploration of human suffering and the enduring nature of faith.