Job 1:11-12

3. Satan asks and receives permission to test Job. (Job 1:11-12)

TEXT 1:11, 12

(11) But put forth thy hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will renounce thee to thy face. (12) And Jehovah said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath Is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of Jehovah.

COMMENT 1:11, 12

Job 1:11Satan suggests to Yahweh that if you remove the security of his wealth, he will curse you to your face (see Job 6:28; Job 13:15; Job 16:8). The form of the Hebrew sentence is that of an oath meaning I swear that he will curse you. (Is Marx correct, toois alienation caused by things, or the absence of things?)

Job 1:12Yahweh accepts Satan's challenge. What is the real motive of Job's piety? Will Job love God when his physical security is removed? Real piety must be based in disinterestedness with respect to reward or punishment. How relevant this issue is for contemporary man! Job immediately is confronted with Satan's attack. The speed with which God allows Satan to afflict Job is surely evidence of God's complete trust in Job's integrity and piety.