Job 2:1

CHAPTER II

The sons of God once more present themselves before him; and

Satan comes also, accusing Job as a person whose steadfastness

would be soon shaken, provided his body were to be subjected

to sore afflictions, 1-5.

He receives permission to afflict Job, and smites him with sore

boils, 6-8.

His wife reviles him, 9.

His pious reproof, 10.

His three friends come to visit and mourn with him, 11-13.

NOTES ON CHAP. II

Verse Job 2:1. Again there was a day] How long this was after the former trial, we know not: probably one whole year, when, as the Targum intimates, it was the time of the annual atonement; which, if so, must have been at least one whole year after the former; and during which period the patience and resignation of Job had sufficient scope to show themselves. This appearance of the sons of God and Satan is to be understood metaphorically - there could be nothing real in it - but it is intended to instruct us in the doctrine of the existence of good and evil spirits; that Satan pursues man with implacable enmity, and that he can do no man hurt, either in his person or property, but by the especial permission of God; and that God gives him permission only when he purposes to overrule it for the greater manifestation of his own glory, and the greater good of his tempted followers.