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Job is one of the most interesting and intriguing books in the Old Testament.

It says a lot about the issue of human suffering. In most of the book, from chapter 3 to chapter 37, Job and his “friends” discuss, debate, and disagree about Job’s situation—why Job lost his children, his wealth, his health, even the sympathy of his wife, so suddenly. But some of the most profound lessons are found in Job chapters 1 and 2. It is there that we see what was going on behind the scenes between Satan and God, “When Hell Accused Heaven.”

First, Satan Approached the LORD “Secretly”

Job 1:6 says, “Now there was a day when the sons of God [the angels] came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.” Apparently there was a day when all the angels in heaven were summoned to appear before God. Satan, or Lucifer [see Isaiah 14:12], the Rebel, Accuser, and Adversary, came too. He was “among them,” literally in the middle of the crowd. This seems to indicate that Satan had not been summoned, but was “sneaking in.”

Second, Satan Accused the LORD “Smugly”

When God called attention to Job and described him as “a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth [to refuse, or to depart from] evil?” (Job 1:8), Satan replied, “Doth Job fear God for nought?” (Job 1:9). In other words, ‘Of course Job is perfect, upright, and worships you—you have blessed him.’ But “…touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face” (Job 1:11). Put Job to the test and you will find out who he really is.

The Lord answered this challenge, and told Satan that everything Job had “is in thy power [literally ‘in thy hand’] only upon himself put not forth thine hand” (Job 1:12). Satan was given limited access. He could to take Job’s possessions—his wealth, and even his children—but could not touch Job personally.

After those losses, God still described Job as “a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” (Job 2:3). Satan must have felt that the loss of Job’s children and wealth didn’t go far enough. Job could father more children, and regain his lost wealth. But, “all that a man hath will he give for his life … touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face” (Job 2:4-5). In other words, ‘Take away Job’s health and you will see another side of him.’

This time the Lord allowed Satan to afflict Job physically, saying, “Behold, he is in thine hand; but save [put a hedge about, guard, protect] his life” (Job 2:6). Access was still limited. Satan could touch Job’s body, but could not take his life.

Third, Satan’s Accusations were “Silenced”

After the first set of trials, Job 1:22 states that even in his grief “Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” After the loss of his health Job 2:10 says, “In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” Job didn’t “abandon ship” when everything in his life fell apart. Instead, Job leaned on the Lord even harder … as the Lord knew he would. God hadn’t allowed Job to be “tested” so that He could learn something new about Job. God already knew everything about Job. Job’s life and character were “an open book.”

After these incidents, Satan was silent. He no longer accused the Lord or attacked Job’s character.

The Book of Job gives valuable insight into human suffering, and how we should respond to it. But Job also teaches us about God’s Nature and Character.

Many people view Life as a “Cosmic Struggle” between Good and Evil. They think Good and Evil are competing and somewhat “complimentary” forces —like the Yin and Yang in Chinese Philosophy—sometimes Good “wins out,” sometimes Evil triumphs. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is not an impersonal “Force.” He is Sovereign. That means God has absolute Power, Ability, and Authority over all things.

The most wonderful aspect of this is that God knows everything about each of us—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and He still loves us.

Friend, no one will ever love you as much as God loves you.

John 3:16 says:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son [Jesus], that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

That word “whosoever” means anybody and everybody, no matter who you are, or what you’ve done. Turn to Jesus and accept His gift of love. Ask Him to save you, to cleanse you of your sin, and He will.

Blessings to you!

Daniel Benton

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