Job - Part 2

A perspective on the book of Job – part 2 – The Lord speaks with Satan

Remember that in part 1, we are introduced to Job as a good man who holds tightly to his faith, honors the Lord, and sacrifices for his children just in case they have sinned.  Now, in part 2, my bible labels this section as “Job’s First Test.” I don’t think we will get into the test part just yet, but let us take a look, starting with chapter 1, verse 6.

The setting of this section is heaven, the throne of God. For me, this evokes images of grandeur. I see the Lord, sitting on a throne of gold, surrounded by beauty on all sides. Then, according to Job 1:6, “The angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came with them.” With my military background, I picture the angels reporting in much as we would to our commander. However, while we would stand at attention and salute (if outdoors), I suspect most of the angels would bow in submission to the Lord. Satan, however, was proud, and stood tall.

For just a moment, let us consider Satan. Isaiah, Luke, and Revelation all speak of Satan’s expulsion from heaven. Stories abound of his desire to be as powerful as the Lord, and how he was removed from the corps of angels and how others went with him. They were given charge over hell and the Earth.  What a concept. We must never forget that dark angels as well as light angels wander the Earth in search of people to recruit. A graphic and dynamic series of fiction was written by Frank Perretti, and of course, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis also depict the actions of dark angels in our lives.  But, we must return to the moment in Job, when Satan appears with the angels before the Lord.

In Job 1:7, “The Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you come from?’” Now, I think that question is inserted here for the benefit of us who are reading it and for the other angels. If, as I believe and have been taught, the Lord is omniscient, there is no need for such as question, as He knows the answer.  We, however, need to be aware of the answer – that Satan is roaming back and forth through the earth.  This is an important thought. Satan is alive and well and roaming through the earth. We see him every day in our news stories, and unfortunately, in our lives. The story of Job tells of what Satan can do, and that should be enough to frighten anyone.

The Lord Himself holds up Job as an example of one who is “blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8).  But Satan accuses the Lord of protecting Job and his household and blessing the work of his hands. Satan claims if all were stricken from Job, “he will surely curse you to your face” (Job 1:11).  So, the Lord releases everything Job has to Satan, protecting only the man Job 

himself.  “Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord” (Job 1:12).

There are a lot of things to consider in this passage. Between Job 1:6 and through Job 1:12, we are exposed to a very real place we consider Heaven, the abode of the Lord. We see the Lord in his role as King, receiving audience from the angels, and presumably receiving reports and giving assignments. We recognize that Satan is not supposed to be there, and that the Lord is communicating directly with him. From this, we can reckon that the Lord will speak to whom He will. We need to remember that the Lord can protect us, and can remove His protection as well. Personally, I cannot imagine ever being good enough for the Lord to use as an example of piety. I can only talk to Him, listen for Him, and hope I am hearing His guidance.

NOTE: All bible references for this part are from the New International Version (NIV).