1 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.
2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
3 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.
4 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.
5 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.
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
7 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.
8 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?
9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
10 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.
11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
12 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.
13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters [were] eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:
14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:
15 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.
16 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.
17 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.
18 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:
19 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.
20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
21 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.
22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
Overview of Job Chapter 1
Job Chapter 1 introduces the central character of the Book of Job, establishing his righteousness and prosperity, while also setting the stage for the trials he will face. It presents a cosmic dialogue between God and Satan, highlighting themes of faith, suffering, and divine sovereignty.
Characterization of Job
Job is depicted as a model of integrity and piety. The text outlines several key attributes:
- Wealth and Prosperity: Job is described as the “greatest man among all the people of the East,” indicating his significant wealth and social standing.
- Righteousness: He is characterized as “blameless” and “upright,” emphasizing his moral integrity and commitment to God.
- Devotion: Job regularly offers sacrifices to God on behalf of his children, demonstrating his concern for their spiritual well-being.
The Heavenly Council
The chapter introduces a scene in the heavenly realm where God holds court with the “sons of God,” which includes Satan. This dialogue reveals several important aspects:
- Satan’s Role: Satan, whose name means “adversary,” challenges Job’s integrity, suggesting that Job is only faithful because of his blessings.
- Divine Sovereignty: God allows Satan to test Job, indicating that even in suffering, God’s authority remains intact.
- Testing of Faith: The challenge posed by Satan sets the stage for the exploration of faith under duress.
Job’s Trials
As the chapter progresses, Job’s life takes a dramatic turn. The narrative describes a series of calamities that befall him:
- Loss of Wealth: Job’s livestock and servants are destroyed by raiders and natural disasters, leading to a significant loss of his wealth.
- Tragic Deaths: His children perish in a catastrophic event, further intensifying his suffering.
Job’s Response
Job’s reaction to his immense suffering is profound and multi-faceted:
- Grief and Mourning: Job tears his robe and shaves his head, traditional signs of mourning in ancient cultures.
- Worship and Submission: Despite his losses, Job falls to the ground and worships God, uttering the famous lines: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
- Integrity in Suffering: The chapter concludes by noting that Job did not sin or blame God, showcasing his unwavering faith.
Thematic Elements
Several key themes emerge from Job Chapter 1:
- Faithfulness in Adversity: Job’s unwavering faith despite his trials serves as a central theme throughout the Book of Job.
- The Nature of Suffering: The chapter raises questions about the reasons for suffering and the relationship between righteousness and divine favor.
- Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Understanding: The dialogue between God and Satan illustrates the complexity of divine governance and human perception of justice.
Conclusion
Job Chapter 1 sets the foundation for the exploration of profound theological questions regarding suffering, faith, and the nature of God. It introduces a character whose integrity and faith will be tested, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of faith in the face of unimaginable loss.
