Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause." Then the LORD said to SatanThis phrase introduces a divine dialogue, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in the heavenly council. The Hebrew term for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, highlighting His eternal and self-existent nature. The presence of Satan in this dialogue underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the adversarial role Satan plays. Historically, this setting reflects the ancient Near Eastern belief in a divine council where deities or spiritual beings convened. Have you considered My servant Job?
The phrase "Have you considered" implies a challenge and an invitation to observe Job's character. The Hebrew word for "considered" can also mean "set your heart upon," suggesting a deep, intentional examination. "My servant Job" signifies a personal relationship and divine endorsement. In the scriptural context, being called a "servant" of God is a title of honor, reflecting faithfulness and dedication. For there is no one on earth like him
This statement highlights Job's unique righteousness and sets him apart from all others. The phrase "no one on earth like him" underscores the rarity and exceptional nature of Job's character. Historically, this reflects the high esteem in which Job was held, not only by God but also within his community. a man who is blameless and upright
"Blameless" in Hebrew is "tam," meaning complete or perfect in moral integrity. "Upright" is "yashar," indicating straightness or righteousness. Together, these terms paint a picture of a man who lives in accordance with God's will, embodying moral and ethical purity. This description aligns with the wisdom literature's ideal of a righteous person. who fears God and shuns evil
The "fear of God" is a central theme in wisdom literature, representing reverence, awe, and obedience to God. "Shuns evil" indicates an active rejection of sin and wrongdoing. The Hebrew word for "shun" implies turning away or avoiding, suggesting a deliberate choice to live righteously. This phrase encapsulates the essence of a godly life. He still retains his integrity
"Integrity" in Hebrew is "tummah," denoting wholeness and moral soundness. Despite severe trials, Job's steadfastness in faith is highlighted. This phrase serves as a testament to Job's unwavering commitment to God, even in adversity, and is a call for believers to maintain their faith under pressure. even though you incited Me against him
The word "incited" suggests provocation or instigation. This phrase acknowledges Satan's role in challenging Job's faithfulness, yet it also affirms God's ultimate control over the situation. It reflects the tension between divine sovereignty and the presence of evil. to ruin him without cause
"Without cause" indicates that Job's suffering was not a result of his sin or wrongdoing. This challenges the retributive justice view prevalent in ancient times, where suffering was often seen as a direct consequence of personal sin. It invites readers to trust in God's wisdom and justice, even when circumstances seem unjust. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The sovereign God who is in dialogue with Satan, affirming Job's righteousness. 2. SatanThe adversary who challenges Job's integrity, seeking to prove that Job's faithfulness is contingent on his blessings. 3. JobA man described as blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil, maintaining his integrity despite severe trials. 4. Heavenly CourtThe setting where God and Satan converse, highlighting the spiritual dimension of Job's trials. Teaching Points Integrity in TrialsJob's unwavering integrity, even when faced with undeserved suffering, serves as a model for maintaining faithfulness to God in all circumstances. Understanding Spiritual WarfareThe dialogue between God and Satan reveals the reality of spiritual warfare, reminding believers to be aware of the spiritual battles that may influence earthly experiences. God's Sovereignty and JusticeDespite the trials, God's sovereignty is evident. Believers can trust that God is just and has a purpose, even when His actions are beyond human understanding. The Value of Fear and Reverence for GodJob's fear of God is foundational to his character. This reverence is crucial for a righteous life and is a key aspect of wisdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Job's response to his trials challenge or inspire your own approach to difficult situations? 2. In what ways can understanding the spiritual dimension of our struggles, as seen in Job's account, change our perspective on personal trials? 3. How can we cultivate a fear of the Lord in our daily lives, similar to Job's example? 4. What does Job's account teach us about the nature of integrity, and how can we apply this in our relationships and work? 5. How do the themes of God's sovereignty and justice in Job's account provide comfort or challenge your current understanding of God's role in suffering? Connections to Other Scriptures James 5:11This verse references the perseverance of Job, emphasizing the Lord's compassion and mercy, which is evident in Job's account. 1 Peter 5:8-9These verses warn believers to be vigilant against the devil, who seeks to devour, similar to Satan's role in Job's trials. Proverbs 1:7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, which aligns with Job's character as one who fears God. Genesis 22:1-19The testing of Abraham's faith parallels Job's trials, both demonstrating unwavering faith in God. People Bildad, Eliphaz, Job, ZopharPlaces UzTopics Abstaineth, Adversary, Although, Aside, Blameless, Cause, Considered, Destroy, Destruction, Escheweth, Evil, Fast, Feareth, Fearing, Fears, Firm, Hast, Heart, Hold, Holdeth, Holds, Incited, Integrity, Job, Keeping, Keeps, Maintains, Move, Moved, Movedst, Moving, None, Note, Nought, Perfect, Reason, Righteousness, Ruin, Satan, Servant, Shunneth, Shuns, Sin, Swallow, Though, Turneth, Turning, Turns, Upright, Whole-heartedDictionary of Bible Themes Job 2:3 5297 disease
5561 suffering, nature of
7160 servants of the Lord Job 2:1-6 5828 danger Job 2:1-7 4121 Satan, enemy of God Job 2:3-6 4195 spirits Library February 24 Evening
Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?--JOB 2:10. I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.--O Lord, thou art our father, we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.--It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good. Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments. He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.--Whom the Lord loveth …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily PathResignation.
"What! shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?"--Job 2:10. "Ich hab' in guten Stunden." [50]Christian Furchtegott Gellert. transl., Sarah Findlater, 1855 I have had my days of blessing, All the joys of life possessing, Unnumber'd they appear! Then let faith and patience cheer me, Now that trials gather near me: Where is life without a tear? Yes, O Lord, a sinner looking O'er the sins Thou art rebuking, Must own Thy judgments light. Surely I, so oft offending, Must …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther It is Indeed a Greater Fight of Patience...
9. It is indeed a greater fight of patience, when it is not a visible enemy that by persecution and rage would urge us into crime which enemy may openly and in broad day be by not consenting overcome; but the devil himself, (he who doth likewise by means of the children of infidelity, as by his vessels, persecute the children of light) doth by himself hiddenly attack us, by his rage putting us on to do or say something against God. As such had holy Job experience of him, by both temptations vexed, …
St. Augustine—On Patience Whether Death is Essential to Martyrdom?
Objection 1: It seems that death is not essential to martyrdom. For Jerome says in a sermon on the Assumption (Epist. ad Paul. et Eustoch.): "I should say rightly that the Mother of God was both virgin and martyr, although she ended her days in peace": and Gregory says (Hom. iii in Evang.): "Although persecution has ceased to offer the opportunity, yet the peace we enjoy is not without its martyrdom, since even if we no longer yield the life of the body to the sword, yet do we slay fleshly desires …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Jesus, My Rock.
When the storm and the tempest are raging around me, Oh! where shall I flee to be safe from their shock? There are walls which no mortal hands built to surround me, A Refuge Eternal,--'Tis JESUS MY ROCK! When my heart is all sorrow, and trials aggrieve me, To whom can I safely my secrets unlock? No bosom (save one) has the power to relieve me, The bosom which bled for me, JESUS MY ROCK! When Life's gloomy curtain, at last, shall close o'er me, And the chill hand of death unexpectedly knock, I will …
John Ross Macduff—The Cities of Refuge: or, The Name of Jesus Illness and Patience of the Saint. The Story of a Priest whom She Rescued from a Life of Sin.
1. I forgot to say how, in the year of my novitiate, I suffered much uneasiness about things in themselves of no importance; but I was found fault with very often when I was blameless. I bore it painfully and with imperfection; however, I went through it all, because of the joy I had in being a nun. When they saw me seeking to be alone, and even weeping over my sins at times, they thought I was discontented, and said so. 2. All religious observances had an attraction for me, but I could not endure …
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus The Christian Described
HAPPINESS OF THE CHRISTIAN O HOW happy is he who is not only a visible, but also an invisible saint! He shall not be blotted out the book of God's eternal grace and mercy. DIGNITY OF THE CHRISTIAN There are a generation of men in the world, that count themselves men of the largest capacities, when yet the greatest of their desires lift themselves no higher than to things below. If they can with their net of craft and policy encompass a bulky lump of earth, Oh, what a treasure have they engrossed …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Of his Cross what Shall I Speak, what Say? this Extremest Kind of Death...
9. Of His cross what shall I speak, what say? This extremest kind of death He chose, that not any kind of death might make His Martyrs afraid. The doctrine He shewed in His life as Man, the example of patience He demonstrated in His Cross. There, you have the work, that He was crucified; example of the work, the Cross; reward of the work, Resurrection. He shewed us in the Cross what we ought to endure, He shewed in the Resurrection what we have to hope. Just like a consummate task-master in the matches …
St. Augustine—On the Creeds Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Elucidations.
I. (The Shepherd of Hermas, p. 85.) Here, and in chap. xx. below, Tertullian's rabid utterances against the Shepherd may be balanced by what he had said, less unreasonably, in his better mood. [999] Now he refers to the Shepherd's (ii. 1) [1000] view of pardon, even to adulterers. But surely it might be objected even more plausibly against "the Shepherd," whom he prefers, in common with all Christians, as see John viii. 1-11, which I take to be canonical Scripture. A curious question is suggested …
Tertullian—On Modesty Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Adam's Sin
Q-15: WHAT WAS THE SIN WHEREBY OUR FIRST PARENTS FELL FROM THE ESTATE WHEREIN THEY WERE CREATED? A: That sin was eating the forbidden fruit. 'She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also to her husband.' Gen 3:3. Here is implied, 1. That our first parents fell from their estate of innocence. 2. The sin by which they fell, was eating the forbidden fruit. I. Our first parents fell from their glorious state of innocence. God made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions.' Eccl …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Consolations against Impatience in Sickness.
If in thy sickness by extremity of pain thou be driven to impatience, meditate-- 1. That thy sins have deserved the pains of hell; therefore thou mayest with greater patience endure these fatherly corrections. 2. That these are the scourges of thy heavenly Father, and the rod is in his hand. If thou didst suffer with reverence, being a child, the corrections of thy earthly parents, how much rather shouldst thou now subject thyself, being the child of God, to the chastisement of thy heavenly Father, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Job 2:3 NIVJob 2:3 NLTJob 2:3 ESVJob 2:3 NASBJob 2:3 KJV
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