Job 1:5

Job prayed for his children. Before Jesus died, holy people often killed animals as a gift to God. The Bible taught the people to do this (Leviticus Chapter s 1-7). The people knew that an animal cannot take the punishment for our evil deeds (Psalms 51:16). They knew that only God can forgive us (Psalms 51:17). But the death of an animal reminded them that evil deeds are serious matters. And this tradition taught them that Jesus would die for us all (Genesis 22:8 and John 1:29).

Job was afraid that his children would insult God. This would be terrible because we must always respect God. God created us. And God is our judge. In fact, the author of the Book of Job did not even want to write the words: ‘insult God’. In the language called Hebrew, he wrote the words: ‘praise God’. He did not mean ‘praise’ because of course we should praise God. But the author knew that his readers would be able to work out the meaning of his words.

The accuser called Satan

v6 On one particular day, the angels (servants of God) gathered in heaven to see God. And the accuser called Satan was also there.

v7 God said to Satan, ‘Where did you come from?’

Satan replied to God, ‘I have travelled across the world. I have been to many places.’

v8 God said to Satan, ‘I have a servant called Job. Nobody else in the world is like Job! Job is good and honest. He respects God. And Job refuses to do evil deeds.’

v9 Satan replied to God, ‘Job respects you because you help him. v10 You are his guard. You protect him, as if a hedge surrounds him. You protect his family. You protect all his possessions. You have helped that man to succeed. Now, he is very wealthy. v11 But if you destroy Job’s property, then Job will really insult you.’

v12 God said to Satan, ‘I permit you to attack everything that belongs to Job. But you may not hurt Job himself.’

So, Satan left God.