Job 1:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Amidst these trials, the blessed Job stood resilient, as steadfast as a pillar, immovable like a fortress; he was an unconquerable warrior, appearing more like a ruler than one being overthrown. A person who toils without reward, frequently engaging in battle with no victories to show, suffers personal blows from fruitless efforts. As one tells of tragedies, warfare continues, but the assailant proves unsuccessful. This relentless attack does not grant him a moment of reprieve, as the resolve of the ascetic might provoke him to find solace or strength. All arrows were sent forth, yet the combatant remained undefeated; the quiver was emptied, yet the fury persisted. “Let them all be ashamed, they that do iniquity in vain” (Psalms 24:3). Hence, the devil was left with shame and disgrace after his numerous attempts, achieving no victory. He devastated shepherds, oxen, sheep, camels, sons, daughters, and homes; he afflicted Job through his body, friends, and family, as well as through worms, wounds, and infections. He exhausted all means of causing harm but could not diminish Job's piety. He breached the walls but could not steal the true treasure. The tormentor employed countless strategies—striking with fire, sword, grave, captivity, and blood. He strained every effort, yet only emboldened the warrior. This is echoed by the prophet, who proclaimed, “the enemy's weapons are utterly exhausted” (Psalms 9:7). It could be said of him as well, “it is hard for thee to go against the horn” (Acts 9:5). He stripped Job of all his belongings, wealth, and property.

It is insightful to examine the stages of this significant temptation. The adversary wielded more than one weapon, launching numerous attacks to bring about defeat, whether by allure or by weariness. Initially, he targeted Job’s attachment to wealth, then assailed his affection for family, and finally struck at his health, inflicting anguish on both his spirit and body, as seen in Job 2:7. Various temptations aim at different individuals: the affluent may suffer losses, a parent may be grief-stricken by the death of children, and a person may endure physical pain. The multitude of assaults is evident. However, the Lord desired no possessions that could be lost; He entered the world as one in need, as referenced in 2 Corinthians 8:9, leaving the devil with nothing to steal.

To grasp the truth of this statement, heed the words of the Lord: "The prince of this world cometh, and shall find nothing in Me" (John 14:30). He did not intend to be the father of a few, as expressed in Job 29:16, but sought to embrace all of humanity. It would be futile to test one who disregarded earthly afflictions with physical suffering. Simultaneously, He intended to demonstrate His flawless victory, having conquered the adversary of the flesh. Job, as a human, faced temptation regarding his possessions, while Jesus encountered temptation concerning universal dominion; one man lost his earthly treasures, while the other was offered sovereignty over all creation. The tempter was crafty, fearing the wrath of the Son of God: he ensnared Job by inflicting offense and sought to entice Jesus with promises of reward. The sad news came in succession (see Job 1:14-17), deepening the wounds, yet the steadfast warrior remained unshaken in his spirit.

The first brings word of his oxen and donkeys stolen, along with the merciless attack on the servants tending them. The second reports the destruction of a flock of sheep consumed by divine fire, along with their caretakers. The third tells of a raid on his camels, resulting in the death of the herdsmen. Finally, the fourth messenger declares: A mighty wind swept in from the wilderness, striking the four corners of the house where your sons and daughters were feasting with their elder brother, and the collapse resulted in their demise. This abrupt loss of all his children robbed Job, a loving father, of the chance to gradually express and ease his grief. Upon receiving the devastating news of his children’s deaths beneath the rubble, Job was left in despair, unsure whom to mourn first, who he would find when the ruins were cleared, or to whom he would pay the heart-wrenching tribute of burial. All his anguish was confined within him, causing an unbearable torment that pushed him beyond the limits of restraint, leading him to question God. Job's children fell to the wrath of the furious adversary, just as the children of the Lord, the prophets, were persecuted by the wrathful Pharisees.

Alongside the faithful angels, Satan appeared before God. In His mercy, God, who desires not the death of a sinner, illustrated by allowing the devil's presence that He is open to the repentance of even the first instigator of evil, should he choose to turn back. This gathering before the Lord among the heavenly host was meant to remind Satan of his past glory and relationship with his Creator, aimed at provoking a sense of remorse. Most importantly, it served to strip him of any grounds to justify his defiance, as the Lord employs every effort for his salvation, whereas he persists in deceiving humanity and opposing divine truth.