THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
The act of murder was accompanied by a loss of possessions, illustrating the ruthlessness of the adversaries, revealing a profound brutality and inhumanity. This led to a dual calamity of death and captivity; however, the rescue of the survivors only deepens the tragedy. Consider the suddenness of the assault, an unprecedented disaster: a man who lived in great abundance and had never faced such devastation is abruptly stripped of all he possesses. It was not merely the destruction of one aspect leaving some consolation; the vestiges remaining only served as a reminder of his misfortunes.
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Observe the actions of the adversary. Initially, he robs Job of his wealth, then deprives him of his children. He seizes the camels, the sheep, the numerous donkeys, and the vast herds of cattle, ultimately stripping him of everything, including his offspring. Why does he do this? Pay close attention to the subsequent events. He first takes all material possessions and then attacks the heirs themselves to completely annihilate Job through the loss of his children. He commenced by ravaging the estate while the heirs were alive, ensuring that they felt the profound grief of losing their inheritance. The malevolent demon, realizing Job's loss of children, may have thought that the loss of possessions would weigh less on him. Yet the true champion, steadfast and resolute, endured numerous assaults, receiving wounds for each blow, and with the weapons of truth, he countered the devil's attacks. He did not lament, falter, or allow the loss of his possessions or children to diminish his righteousness; he stood firm like an unshakeable tower, firmly rooted and ascending toward the heavens. As the first messenger approached, he told Job, “The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys were grazing beside them, when the Sabeans came and took them, and the young men were slain by the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
Further consider what measures the adversary takes against the righteous man and what arrows he aims at him. The wicked one steps forth, disguising himself in various forms, executing his nefarious schemes while delivering the blows and announcing them. Indeed, as relayed in the Scriptures, the adversary said to Job, “The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys were grazing when the Sabeans attacked and took them, and the young men were struck down by the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” This marked the initial temptation from the devil, his first strike against the valiant fighter. Yet Job countered these assaults with the shield of faith capable of quenching all the fiery darts of the wicked one. While he lost the oxen, his spirit remained unperturbed. The donkeys perished, yet this noble soul did not relinquish the reins of godliness. He absorbed the grim tidings of his losses, yet stood resolute and steadfast like an unyielding fortress. The devil, cruel and malicious, surely regretted conveying such news to Job in this manner. Be wary, I implore you, lest you too be ensnared by the schemes of the evil one, as the apostle cautioned, saying, “We are not ignorant of his designs” (2 Cor. 2:11). When he reported that “the oxen were plowing, and the donkeys were grazing, when the Sabeans came and took them,” witnessing Job receive the news without distress, the devil certainly regretted that his message had faltered. It appeared he reasoned to himself, “I missed the mark by saying that men were the attackers; Job may think, If men assailed me, what role does God play in this? I aimed poorly, and my shot went astray, the arrow did not strike its intended mark. I claimed that men captured his livestock; perhaps he will conclude, Why should I ascribe human injustice to God? One has wronged another, and I will not blaspheme God’s name.”