Observations from The book of Job

Chapter 1

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• Job is described as blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.
• He had many children and possessions
• Job prayed for his family and offered burnt offerings according to the number of his children -
  • Job 1:5: ​When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.
• The Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job?  For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil."
• Satan pointed out that Job was protected on every side, everything he had was protected and blessed.  Satan's theory was that if the Lord "But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face."
• God's response was "Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him."
• In one day, Job's life was attacked and changed dramatically.  He lost possessions, income and his kids, back to back, Job got the report that:
  • His oxen, donkeys, and the servants tending to them were killed by the Sabeans.
  • The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them.
  • The Chaldeans raided the camels and took them and slew the servants with them.
  • Your sons and daughters were killed at your oldest son's house while eating and drinking by a great wind destroying the house.
• It seems the intent of this attack was to break Job down and cause him to curse God.
• Job's response was sorrow, as he "tore his robe and shaved his head," but seemingly all at the same time, he fell to the ground and worshiped.  The bible says Job's words were:
  • "Naked I came from my other's womb, and naked I shall return there.  The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord."  Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God." v20-22​

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Summary Thoughts:

• In the midst of these tragedies, Job did not sin, nor did he blame God:
  • Job seemed to understand that what he had/received came from God; as he was born with nothing…naked, and he can't take anything with him.  His posture seemed to imply...what does this stuff matter, in the big picture.  I can only imagine it being hard, considering he had so much.  On the other hand, in that moment, it seems like he had a real revelation of who God is as a provider/source.
  • God gave it; from Job's point of view, God took it, and he still "blessed the name of the Lord."  Satan didn’t get him to curse God as was his plan.
• Satan's Plan did not work, and God seemingly (from the text) knew it beforehand,