The Story of Job - bible story

 The Story of Job

Introduction

A long time ago, in a land called Uz, there lived a wealthy and devout man named Job. He had seven sons and three daughters. Job was extremely prosperous, possessing large numbers of cattle, camels, sheep, and servants. He was a devout follower of God and always stayed away from evil. His lifestyle and piety were exemplary for everyone.

Heavenly Assembly and Satan’s Challenge

One day, the angels came to present themselves before God, and Satan also came with them. The Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

Satan replied, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."

The Lord said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger."

Loss of Property and Family

One day, while Job was at home, a messenger came running and said, "The Sabeans attacked and made off with the oxen and donkeys. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

Another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them, and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

Job's Reaction

Upon hearing this, Job got up, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell to the ground in worship, saying, "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."

Satan’s Second Attempt

Once again, the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. The Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."

Satan replied, "Skin for skin! A man will give all he has for his own life. But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face."

The Lord said to Satan, "Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life."

Job's Illness

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, "Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!"

He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"

Arrival of Job's Friends

Job's three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—came to console him. They sat with him on the ground for seven days and seven nights, saying nothing because they saw how great his suffering was. Then Job began to speak, cursing the day of his birth. He said, "Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?"

Friends' Dialogue

Job's friends argued that he must have sinned, which was why he was being punished. Eliphaz said, "Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed?"

Bildad said, "If you will seek God and plead with the Almighty, if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your prosperous state."

Zophar said, "Your sin deserves even worse punishment. If you put away the sin in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear."

But Job maintained his innocence and demanded justice from God. He said, "God knows that I am innocent. I appeal to Him for justice."

God's Response

Finally, God spoke to Job out of a whirlwind and reminded him of the limits of human understanding. He questioned Job about the creation of the world and the mysteries of the universe, showing Job that God's ways are beyond human comprehension. God also reprimanded Job's friends for not speaking the truth about Him as Job had and instructed Job to pray for them.

Restoration of Job

Job prayed for his friends, and God restored his fortunes, giving him twice as much as he had before. He had seven more sons and three more daughters. Job lived a long and prosperous life, experiencing God's blessings.