In my past readings of Job, I've always found the exchange between Satan and God to be very interesting. I never quite understood it and I will not venture to in this blog post. However, I have read some things that give me a little bit of insight. (This insight is no new news. Just simple truths that help me process the book as a whole.)
In chapters one and two we see Satan "present" himself before God. I find this interesting. Satan doesn't just go to Job without having to go through God first. This detail escaped my memory through the years. I think it's significant to note this exchange. I'm sure there is more to it than what I am getting. Just pointing it out.
The book of Job is hard to grapple with. There are many questions that are left in our minds that leave us feeling hopeless and helpless. One of these is why would God do these horrible things to Job? Why would He inflict disease and cause the death of his family? Well, He didn't.
Job 2:7 says "So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome sores..." The text clearly says that Satan struck Job. God did not inflict disease. God does not inflict disease. The fallen world and the attack of the enemy is what inflicted Job to suffering. Satan had to go before God, however, in order for this to happen.
Again, these details are not very deep nor are they full of revelation. However, these details seemed to have escaped my mind in the past and I'm glad to rediscover these truths in this reading.
P.S. I commented on Abbey Griffin's post.
It shows the reverence that even Satan has for God. Not only that, this entire book is God humoring Satan. God is basically showing his power to Satan and letting him realize that he is powerless.
ReplyDeleteThe book of Job personally gives me so much hope, just because of what you mentioned. Satan was not allowed to attack Job without the permission of God. What does this say about God, He will not allow us to be attacked by more than we can handle, and ultimately God has our best interest in mind, "only do not put forth your hand on him."
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