THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
The act of murder was accompanied by the loss of assets, highlighting the cruelty of adversaries, revealing a brutal ferocity and inhumanity—a dual calamity of death and captivity. The salvation of the survivors only magnifies the tragedy. Notice the speed of the assault, the sudden and unusual disaster: one who once lived in abundance, untouched by such misfortunes, is abruptly stripped of all he owns. Nothing remains to offer solace; rather, the remnants serve as reminders of his sorrow.
Read more (511 words)
Consider the actions of the adversary. Initially, he plunders all possessions, then takes away the children. He first seizes the herds of camels, the flocks of sheep, and the multitude of donkeys and cattle. He strips away every earthly possession and ultimately his offspring. Why this sequence? Focus intently on what transpires next. He first claimed the heritage, then annihilated the heirs, intending to bring complete ruin through the loss of his children. He commenced the dismantling of the estate while the heirs were still alive, ensuring that the loss of property would be acutely felt among his sons and daughters. The wicked one calculated that with the loss of children, the value of possessions would diminish significantly to Job. Yet, the steadfast and valiant warrior endured numerous afflictions while gaining glory for each trial. He withstood many blows, countered the arrows aimed at him with the armaments of truth, and remained unmoved. He did not lament or falter; he remained unbroken by material loss and did not waver in his piety despite bereavement. He stood resolute, like a tower firmly established and rooted in the earth while reaching toward the heavens.
Then came the first messenger to Job, proclaiming, "The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys were feeding beside them, when the Sabeans attacked and carried them away; they killed the young men with the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."
Observe further the intense pressure placed upon the righteous man, the arrows hurled against him. The evildoer, empowered by the Lord, donned various guises; he himself executed his malevolent acts and conveyed the news. The adversary relayed to Job, as recorded, "The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys were grazing when the Sabeans invaded, taking them, and the young men were struck down by the sword; I alone have survived to deliver this news." This marked the first temptation from the adversary, the initial assault upon the noble warrior. Yet, Job defended himself with the shield of faith, capable of extinguishing the flaming darts of the evil one. Although he lost the oxen, his spirit was unshaken. The loss of the donkeys did not lead this noble soul to abandon righteousness. He absorbed the painful news with steadfastness, remaining resolute and unwavering as a fortified tower. In his cruel malice, the adversary likely regretted delivering news to Job in this fashion. Please be vigilant against the schemes of the Evil One, whom the apostle cautions us about, stating, "We are not unaware of his schemes" (2 Cor. 2:11). When the adversary informed Job of the Sabeans' attack, he saw Job's unwavering response and might have regretted his approach, reasoning to himself that he had misfired. Job might have thought, "If men attacked me, what role does God play here? I misjudged my aim, and therefore missed the target." The adversary had announced that men had seized his cattle, but Job could have thought: "Why should I lay the injustice of men at the feet of God? One man wrongs another; I will not blaspheme my Creator."