Mark A. Copeland
The Book Of Job
Prologue - Job Is Tested (1-2)


OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To see the stage set for the "great controversy" that will occur between Job and his friends

2) To consider the challenge that Satan made concerning Job; would God have as much confidence in
our faithfulness?

3) To appreciate the integrity of Job in the midst of his great suffering

SUMMARY

The first two chapters set the stage for the great controversy that will take place between Job and his
friends, which is precipitated by a controversy between God and Satan. We are first introduced to Job in
the land of Uz (likely Edom, SE of the Dead Sea, cf. Jer 25:20-21; Lam 4:21). A man of remarkable
character, he was blessed with a large family and many possessions. As an example of his piety,
mention is made of his sacrifices in behalf of his children (1:1-5).

We then learn of the controversy between God and Satan concerning Job. On an occasion when Satan
came before the Lord, God asked him whether he had considered His faithful servant, Job. Satan
responded with an attack on Job's character, that his fear of God was only because God blessed him.
Satan then said that Job would curse God if everything he had was taken away. In response, God put all
that Job had in Satan's power, with the exception of Job himself (1:6-12).

In one day, then, Job lost all his material possessions through various calamities. His sons and
daughters, also, were killed when a great tornado destroyed the house in which they were partying.
Though deeply grieved, Job worships God and does not charge Him with wrong (1:13-22).

When Satan appeared before God again, the Lord asked whether he had considered how Job had
remained faithful despite his losses. Satan then made another challenge, saying that Job would curse
God if he himself were harmed. God then allowed Satan power over Job, but only up to the point of
actually taking his life. With such power, Satan strikes Job with painful boils (cf. 2:7-8; 7:5; 30:30)
over his entire body. Job's wife lost what faith she might have had, and told him to curse God and die.
Job, however, refuses to sin with his lips (2:1-10).

At this point, three of Job's friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) come to mourn and try to comfort him.
However, they are shocked when they see Job (whom they did not recognize because of the boils), and
sit dumbfounded for seven days and nights without a word in reaction to the magnitude of his grief
(2:11-13).

OUTLINE

I. THE PERSON AND CHARACTER OF JOB (1:1-5)

The Book Of Job 8
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