Job 1:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I have faith in my contender, and in response to your request, 'Extend your hand,' I declare, 'I will entrust to your authority all that he holds.' What are you implying? What necessity is there for another trial after your testimony? This is said, as you indicate, so that the adversary may be silenced, so that the righteous may shine even brighter, and so that the faithful may exemplify endurance and a healer in times of struggle.

The prophet in Psalm 48:19 directs his words towards God, pointing out that a wealthy individual only expresses gratitude during joyful times, while in moments of grief he fails to give thanks. In a similar manner, the adversary charges Job, claiming that Job does not honor the Lord genuinely, but rather does so to gain rewards such as wealth and other blessings. To demonstrate Job’s righteousness, God allowed him to lose everything he possessed, so that his thankfulness towards God would be clearly seen in his trials.

Had he triumphed over the numerous schemes of the adversary in this contest solely through the assistance of divine grace, and not through his own merit, the accuser would readily revive his previous accusation: ‘Does Job fear God for no reason? Have You not placed a protective barrier around him, his household, and all his possessions? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock is abundant across the land; but if You allow him to fend for himself, relying on his own strength to combat me, will he still praise You?’ (Job 1:9-11). However, the absence of this slander following the trial indicates that Job vanquished him through his own resolve.

It is important to recognize that the hand of God may be viewed as both a retributive and destined force, commonly referenced in Sacred Scripture as the vessels of wrath (Jer. 27:22 LXX), and as a safeguarding and sustaining force, in line with the scripture, No man can snatch them out of my Father's hand (John 10:29). Additionally, it is plausible that the Son likewise enfolds those under His protection and fortification, as expressed in the verse, The right hand of the Lord has lifted me up, the right hand of the Lord has made me strong (Psalm 117:16).

To preserve Job's dignity and eliminate any hint of selfishness, God permits Satan to strip Job of his wealth and children, while safeguarding his well-being. This scene reveals that the enemy, driven by deceitful motives, cannot exceed the boundaries established by the Lord God. It becomes evident that the most severe afflictions do not occur without the Lord’s wise consent. By permitting us to endure the fluctuations of worldly joy, He ultimately accomplishes His grand designs of boundless goodness, guiding us towards a life of eternal joy.

In the land of Absitidia, also known as Utz, there resided a man named Job, renowned for his devoutness and the abundant success of his household. Without warning, he faced devastating tribulations. This significant shift in Job's circumstances was allowed by God due to the influence of Satan, who, in the divine assembly, sought to tarnish Job's righteousness and claimed that Job would forsake his faith if subjected to intense hardships. Initially, marauders and a rain of fire stripped Job of his livestock and servants; shortly thereafter, he lost his children when a house collapsed upon them. Yet, through all his sufferings, Job expressed no grievances and instead praised the Lord.

The Lord, or an angel acting on His behalf, entrusts Job to the influence of the adversary, permitting him to strip Job of all his possessions, including livestock, servants, and even his children, while prohibiting any harm to Job's own body and life. This reveals that, despite the devil's formidable power, he is incapable of inflicting harm without the Lord's consent—his authority is restricted by divine will. Why did it please the Lord to allow the adversary to inflict such suffering upon Job? It was to provide this righteous man with the opportunity to demonstrate that, in contrast to Satan's intentions, he cherished and revered God selflessly. Even when stripped of his earthly blessings, Job would remain unwaveringly faithful and devoted to the Lord, just as he had served Him with loyalty during times of abundance.