Job 1:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If it is not in Your presence, He will bless you. The phrase "in Your presence" signifies doing so clearly, openly, and without trepidation.

The accuser was eager to obtain this power for himself but lacked the courage to voice it. He claims: "But You will extend Your hand." To prevent the accuser from asserting, "You have spared him from affliction because he is Your servant," God chose not to fulfill his request. Nevertheless, He could have replied, "I acted in accordance with your wish. You instructed Me to strike him." Yet, He exceeds that expectation.

"You have granted him everything in abundance," he suggests, "if that abundance is removed, his true nature will be unveiled in complete vulnerability."

The psalmist directs his words toward God, highlighting how a wealthy individual tends to express gratitude only in times of joy, but fails to do so when faced with adversity. In a similar manner, the adversary challenges Job by asserting that he does not truly ‘honour the Lord in this manner,’ suggesting that Job's devotion is merely in exchange for his material blessings and other favors. To reveal Job's righteousness, God stripped him of all his possessions, allowing his thankfulness to God to shine through in every circumstance.

Then we encounter the poignant declaration: "For his soul shall be blessed in his lifetime; it shall praise thee when thou art good unto him" (Ps. 48:19). This implies that those who are foolish will shower him with earthly accolades, focusing solely on the present rather than the eternal. Even the needy and the lowly will offer their blessings, and he may feel a sense of joy if he obtains any land he desires. He praises God only when circumstances are favorable in this life. In times of trial, however, he utters curses with his wicked tongue. The Psalmist reflects this understanding, for those of this world do not express gratitude during times of hardship; conversely, the righteous, even when faced with challenges, turn their hearts to God in deeper thankfulness and love.

It is not straightforward to understand the account of Job, particularly how Satan sought him out, for the adversary could achieve nothing without divine consent. What does the accuser propose to the Lord? "Give him into my power; will he not curse You to Your face?" In this situation, Job, God, and the adversary remain consistent. At the moment Job recognized God’s assistance and was ardent for divine favor, Satan requested permission to test him, claiming, "Because You shield him and safeguard him, he worships You. Remove Your protection and hand him over to me; will he not curse You to Your face?" Ultimately, it appears that with the soul’s comfort comes a withdrawal of grace, and thus the soul succumbs to temptation.

It is important to recognize that the hand of God can be perceived as both a force of punishment and destiny, often referred to in Holy Scripture as vessels of wrath (Jer. 27:22 LXX.), and as a means of protection and preservation, as illustrated by the statement, No man can steal out of my Father's hand (John 10:29). Furthermore, the Son may also embrace those who fall under His protective and empowering hand, as seen in the declaration, The right hand of the Lord has lifted me up, the right hand of the Lord has made me strong (Psalm 117:16).

Bring calamity upon Job for a brief moment; allow him to face the devastation of his wealth, his offspring, his servants, and his livestock; then he will confidently turn away from serving You.

In the land of Absitidia, known as Utz in Hebrew, there lived a man named Job, recognized for his devout faith and the abundant blessings upon his household. Without warning, he faced extraordinary trials. This upheaval in Job's existence was allowed by God, prompted by Satan, who, in the heavenly assembly among the angels, sought to tarnish Job's righteousness, claiming that he would forsake his piety under intense suffering. Initially, Job lost his livestock and servants to marauders and a devastating storm of fire; shortly thereafter, his children perished beneath the rubble of a fallen home. Through these afflictions, Job maintained his steadfastness, never uttering a word of complaint, and instead praised the Lord.

You extend Your mighty hand that strikes with thunderous force (Exodus 3:20), and the act of touching is understood as a forceful and malicious action (Genesis 26:11; Psalm 104:15). "Touch all that belongs to them” refers to the possessions of the servants’ children, including their flocks. If it does not pertain to You, He will extend His blessings. The phrase “as if not” here serves as an oath that guarantees the veracity of these declarations, suggesting a prior unspoken thought that denotes a desire to vanish completely. In a similar fashion, the Gentiles uttered, “Let the gods do this to me, or even more” (1 Kings 20:10, 23).