The Book of Job has often been seen as an explanation of why good people suffer. After all, it is very clear that Job is not being punished for something that he did wrong, as seen when even an omniscient God can call him blameless and upright (Job 1.8). Yet, his life still falls apart around him. However, there is a very interesting character involved that may seem surprising initially to the readers. Satan, an angel many associate with the Devil, is present in Heaven and even has a conversation with God. However, it is important not to confuse Satan in this text with the Lucifer or the Devil. In fact, the roles of God and Satan can be seen as complimentary.
While reading through the Book of Job, it is easy to get caught off guard in …show more content…
Initially, Satan is restrained from harming Job physically, but this is lifted, but he is never given permission to kill Job (2.6-7). This does demonstrate God’s supreme authority and the fact that he does have the power to control the situations that mortals go through. It can be comforting to believe there is a plan behind by the bad events people go through. For example, after losing his livestock and his children, Job says “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away” (1.21). The parallelism in this verse creates a picture of a newborn baby. Babies cannot take care of themselves, they rely on parents and caregivers to do this. Part of being a parent is planning your young child’s day. For example, an adult could see a child rubbing their eyes and know he should go down for a nap because he is tried. To the …show more content…
However, many references to the “fall of Satan”, as many call it, are actually in the New Testament. For example, Jesus says that he witnessed “Satan fall from Heaven” (Luke 10.18). So, having read or heard these later verses, it is understandable why there could be confusion. However, just like the title of “king” or “president” is passed along to whoever is in the role or position at the time, the title of “Satan” or “the adversary” could be also be passed along. There is no way to examine the text and know for certain this is the same angel that referenced in Job. In fact, the Book of Job does predate many references to fall of Satan and there was an understanding of the text before these other books and stories were added to the Bible. The Satan of Job must be examined separate from the Satan of the Fall. Otherwise, it is tempting to try and fit the interactions between God and Satan in Job to fit a religious agenda and philosophical interpretation which can limit a text which predates the image of Satan so many have. By taking this new view and applying it to the book of Job, every action, every moment of suffering is dictated by God’s authority and only carried out by his angel. This would explain why the narrative states that everyone who had known him came and
While reading through the Book of Job, it is easy to get caught off guard in …show more content…
Initially, Satan is restrained from harming Job physically, but this is lifted, but he is never given permission to kill Job (2.6-7). This does demonstrate God’s supreme authority and the fact that he does have the power to control the situations that mortals go through. It can be comforting to believe there is a plan behind by the bad events people go through. For example, after losing his livestock and his children, Job says “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away” (1.21). The parallelism in this verse creates a picture of a newborn baby. Babies cannot take care of themselves, they rely on parents and caregivers to do this. Part of being a parent is planning your young child’s day. For example, an adult could see a child rubbing their eyes and know he should go down for a nap because he is tried. To the …show more content…
However, many references to the “fall of Satan”, as many call it, are actually in the New Testament. For example, Jesus says that he witnessed “Satan fall from Heaven” (Luke 10.18). So, having read or heard these later verses, it is understandable why there could be confusion. However, just like the title of “king” or “president” is passed along to whoever is in the role or position at the time, the title of “Satan” or “the adversary” could be also be passed along. There is no way to examine the text and know for certain this is the same angel that referenced in Job. In fact, the Book of Job does predate many references to fall of Satan and there was an understanding of the text before these other books and stories were added to the Bible. The Satan of Job must be examined separate from the Satan of the Fall. Otherwise, it is tempting to try and fit the interactions between God and Satan in Job to fit a religious agenda and philosophical interpretation which can limit a text which predates the image of Satan so many have. By taking this new view and applying it to the book of Job, every action, every moment of suffering is dictated by God’s authority and only carried out by his angel. This would explain why the narrative states that everyone who had known him came and