Job 1:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Hence, Paul, the wayward man in Corinth, delivered the disobedient to Satan for the destruction of the flesh (1 Cor. 5:5) and others too (1 Cor. 5:11), so they might not become a temptation. The devil responded to the Lord, affirming that he had roamed the earth and traversed the heavenly realms. By framing the exchange as a question and answer, Scripture conveys truth more effectively and removes any pretense of impudence. The devil’s statements to God reflect not his actual words, but rather his thoughts, for he lacks such boldness. His claim of traveling everywhere signifies that he holds no permanent dwelling but wanders, waging war against humanity. We understand that the universe houses both demons and angels, all under God’s dominion, with angels approaching Him for commands, while the devil cannot act on his own accord without divine permission. When he disobeys and neglects God’s service, he finds himself shackled by fear, which hinders the exercise of his authority. While some return to the Lord as messengers, he remains without report. Thus, this malevolent spirit is barred from heaven and is not omnipresent, but rather appears at designated times. Heaven, you consider, stretches from the wilderness to the skies. He also evades desolate regions, possibly by divine arrangement, to mitigate harm to humanity.

The evil spirit receives no communication from heaven, and his nefarious schemes are not sanctioned. Although his nature is originally created good, his will is malevolent, thus he is deprived of reverence from the pure voice. If you assert, “God spoke to Satan,” I would inquire, echoing David: “But God said to the sinner, ‘Why do you declare my statutes, and take my covenant upon your lips?’” (Ps. 49:16). Did a word reach the sinner? Certainly not; rather, such phrasing illustrates God’s admonishment of the unworthy through their corresponding actions. “And the Lord commanded the great fish” (Jon. 2:1). Did He speak verbally or issue a command? “And the Lord God appointed the worm” (Jon. 4:7). Therefore, if Scripture employs metaphorical language to depict God addressing the devil, do not elevate this dishonorable and wicked intent to a level befitting the Sovereign. The angels are positioned according to their ranks; the devil also approached and stood among them, indicating he possesses an angelic nature but has embraced the disposition of a traitor. The term “devil,” dear brothers, signifies not his essence but his choice of will. Consider the calculating demeanor of this wicked spirit: “The Lord asked Satan, ‘From where do you come?’” The proud and cunning one, unaware of his standing or the dignity of the one who questioned him, responded: “I have traversed the earth and roamed it,” seeking to assert his dominion over the heavens, claiming dominion over all earthly matters, as if all people are subject to him. "I," he boasts, "have walked upon the earth and encircled it." This pride lays bare the devil's delusions. He sought to possess God’s likeness but has instead been cast down to the earth, forsaking his ability to roam freely. He is expelled by the Lord of all, who declared of Himself: “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God” (2 Cor. 6:16; cf. Lev. 26:12). Once, indeed, the devil walked the earth. When idolatry and wickedness thrived, and all manner of evil flourished, he was active on the earth. Yet when holiness, righteousness, and truth reign among those who uphold the truth, then God dwells and moves among them.

Who are referred to as the sons of God, if not the chosen angels? Although it is acknowledged that they faithfully serve the omniscient Creator, it is crucial to understand their origin in approaching the Lord. The Truth clarifies this by stating: “Their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). The prophet also affirms: “Thousands of thousands served Him, and myriads stood before Him” (Daniel 7:10). If their gaze is ever upon the Father and their service is constant, we must seek to comprehend the source of those who do not depart. Simultaneously, the apostle Paul informs us: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14). Knowing they are sent sheds light on their origin. Yet, we often complicate matters by multiplying inquiries, and in our attempts to unravel confusion, we only create further entanglement. How can they constantly stand and behold the Father’s face if they are dispatched to aid us in our salvation? This question finds clarity when we contemplate the ethereal nature of angels. They are not severed from Divine vision, lest they lose their inner bliss; for if they disconnect from the gaze of the Creator, they would be unable to elevate the fallen, impart truth to the uninformed, or offer the blind the Light they themselves have forsaken.

The distinction between angelic beings and humanity lies in our mutual limitations in space and our encompassing ignorance, while the spirit of angels, though also spatially confined, possesses knowledge that extends far beyond ours. They are imbued with understanding both within and beyond, for they meditate upon the Source of wisdom itself. What can those who comprehend the Omniscient not know of all that can be known? Their knowledge surpasses ours but remains less expansive than Divine understanding; just as they are spirits compared to our physical form, they are likewise bodies in contrast to the supreme and boundless Spirit. Thus, they are both sent and present; in being spatially confined, they may seem distant, yet in spiritual presence, they are ever near. Therefore, they continuously behold the Father’s visage while still coming to us; they arrive through spiritual presence and serve through inward contemplation of their source.

Alongside the benevolent angels, Satan once more presented himself before God. The compassionate God, desiring the repentance of those who have sinned, allowed the adversary's presence, showing that He would not turn away from the potential redemption of the original source of evil, should he ever seek to repent. This audience among the assembly of divine beings served to remind Satan of his past glory and relationship with the Creator, aimed at provoking remorse within him. Ultimately, it served a vital purpose: to strip him of any justification for his obstinacy, as the Lord employs every opportunity for salvation, while Satan persists in leading humanity astray and opposing God.