Job 1:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Upon hearing of their demise, Job was overwhelmed with grief, exclaiming, "Woe is me; I who had many children am suddenly childless! It would have been better not to have any than to suffer this loss." The prior state of tranquility and abundance only intensified his heartache. When he remarked that he alone had been spared amidst such calamity, it only served to amplify his despair, especially as he absorbed the shocking news of his children's fate. It seems evident that the malefactor himself acted as the messenger of this calamity, stepping in to deliver the devastating news.

This messenger was not one of Job’s servants; the question arises: how could one person survive when the house was engulfed from all sides? Clearly, this individual was both the architect and announcer of Job's tragedies. The wickedness of his schemes was unparalleled, as he utilized various methods to inflict torment, skillfully undermining Job's resolve through calculated blows. Just as a besieger uses diverse tactics to demoralize those defending a stronghold, the slanderer directed his chaos towards Job’s steadfast faith.

Consider also the statement that it was not merely an individual who informed Job of his losses; it was the devil disguised as a man. Job's children were partaking in a feast, when disaster struck. This highlights Job's wisdom and concern for familial harmony, as he regularly offered sacrifices for any unintentional wrongdoings, expressing hope that his children's hearts remained pure. Through communal gatherings, Job aimed to foster peace and unity, unknowingly inviting hostility from evil forces. While they were celebrating together, the adversary seized the moment to launch an attack, turning a scene of joy into one of mourning. Job’s unyielding spirit remained intact even amidst horrific loss.

He diligently sought the remains of his children in the ruins, uncovering both tragedy and sorrow, attempting to preserve their dignity despite the devastation. This calamity was unparalleled and crafted by diabolical malice. Job, a man of unwavering strength, remained composed even in the face of unimaginable grief, ensuring that the remains were treated with the utmost respect.

After having persisted through a series of trials, and despite the destruction of his earthly possessions, the adversary could not corrupt Job’s character. The devil struck at Job's very nature, targeting his progeny, yet Job’s integrity remained intact. Understand the cunning embedded within the news Job received, designed to shake him to his core; "A great wind came from the wilderness, and swept the four corners of the house, and the house fell upon the young men, and they died: and I alone was saved to tell you." The messenger's deliberate choice of words heightened Job’s sorrow, as he did not merely refer to the individuals as ‘sons’ but used a diminutive form that underscored their youth and preciousness.

The malevolence of this action illuminates how the adversary operates when permitted by God. Reflect on Job's livestock, obliterated in mere moments, and the tragic loss of his children; such cruelty demonstrates the merciless nature of evil. If these malevolent forces were given free rein across the world, chaos would reign supreme, neglecting the sanctity of mankind.

Should you find yourself experiencing hardship not instigated by God but rather as a consequence of human malice, remember to express gratitude rather than resentment towards Him, who allows trials for your refinement. In this way, you will receive an honor akin to those who suffer righteously. Job stands as a testament to such endurance; he lost not only wealth but also ten children, all at once, in a manner that defies comprehension. In moments of your own grief, look to Job for solace, for he exemplifies the strength found in faith amidst suffering.

Each trial is tailored to different individuals: the affluent suffer loss, the parent endures the grief of losing children, the individual struggles with pain, and the body is afflicted with sores. Numerous strikes indeed! However, the Lord did not desire what could be lost and entered the world in a state of humility (cf. 2 Cor. 8:9), leaving the devil with nothing to seize. Would you seek evidence of the truth in these statements? Listen to the Lord Himself: "The prince of this world cometh, and shall find nothing in Me" (John 14:30). He did not aspire to be a father to just a few (cf. Job 29:16) but sought to be the father to all. It would be futile to test Him who disregarded all physical suffering with physical afflictions! Concurrently, He wished to demonstrate that He possesses the flawless triumph, having prevailed over the adversary of the body. Job, as a man, faced trials concerning his possessions, whereas Jesus was tempted with dominion over earthly wealth; one man's fortunes were stripped away, while the other was offered kingship over the cosmos. The devil acted with cunning, fearing the wrath of the Son of God: he tempted Job with insults and tempted Jesus with promises of reward. News of calamity arrived successively (see Job 1:14-17), compounding the pain, yet the courageous warrior remained steadfast in spirit.

The first messenger recounts the theft of his oxen and donkeys and the death of the servants guarding them; the second reveals the fiery destruction of his sheep and their shepherds; the third brings news of the thievery of his camels and the loss of their caretakers; finally, the fourth delivers the shattering message: A great wind swept in from the wilderness, striking the four corners of the house where your sons and daughters feasted with their elder brother, causing it to collapse upon them, and they perished. In the swift loss of all his children, Satan robbed Job, a loving father, of the gradual opportunity to express and ease his sorrow. Upon receiving the devastating news of the tragic demise of his children beneath the house’s ruins, Job found himself at a loss as to whom to grieve for first, or who would be the first to be unburied and mourned. All his anguish and despair seemed trapped within him, leaving him unable to contain the weight of his suffering and leading him to speak against God. Job's children fell victim to the raging adversary. Similarly, the children of our Lord, the Prophets, were persecuted by the frenzied Pharisees (Luke 13:34; Acts 7:52).

The compassionate Lord, who desires not the death of a sinner, allowed the devil's presence to signify His openness to the repentance of even the first miscreant, should he choose to turn back. In this encounter among the heavenly hosts, Satan is reminded of his past glory and his bond with the Creator, which should evoke remorse in him and highlight his inability to justify his obstinacy. The Lord employs every means for the salvation of souls, yet Satan persists in deceiving humanity and opposing God.

He understood that had the loss of the children occurred prior to the other trials, Job would not have regarded them as particularly burdensome; he would have approached the loss of his wealth with apathy, as his riches were amassed not for himself but for his children. Thus, the adversary removed Job's children only after taking his possessions, presenting him with a chalice overflowing with grief to drink.