“He replied: ‘You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God and not trouble’ (v.10)

Job had lost everything. When God again commands the presence of His angels, God reminds Satan of Job’s continuing integrity (v1-3). Satan again sneers. If Job were made to feel pain, he would openly curse God (v4-5). With God’s permission, Satan strikes Job with agonizing boils. Yet despite all Satan can do, Job does not ‘sin in what he said’ (v6-10). We sense something of the intensity of Job’s suffering when three comforters are so appalled at Job’s condition that they sit silent for three weeks (v11-13).

The book of Job has often been pictured as a contest between God and Satan, with Job as the pawn. But by the end of chapter 2, Satan retires – defeated – and is not mentioned again in the remainder of the book! Yet Job’s suffering continues.

The brief description suggests boils, ulcers, or other painful skin diseases that cause acute suffering. Other references in Job develop a picture of disfigurement and anguish. Job is subject to sleeplessness, depression, dimmed eyesight, putrid breath, rotting teeth, emaciation, and exhausting fevers. A suffering so intense and obvious, it is no wonder that his three comforters are left speechless!

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Questions:

What do we understand from this passage about Satan’s role as the ‘prince of this world’ (Eph 2:2, Jn 12:31, 2 Cor 4:4, Lk 4:5-7)? How does Job view his present condition from what he says in verse 10? Nothing in life is guaranteed – How do you view trouble when it inevitably comes?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father – help me by the power of your Holy Spirit, to remain faithful in all situations in life, knowing that you have a constant love for me, and that you have perfect plans and purposes for my life. Amen.