“We are not ignorant of Satan’s devices.”

Job 1:1-12

It is the general opinion that Job flourished at some time between the age of Abraham and the time of Moses. It is probable that Moses wrote the sacred poem which records the discussion between Job and his friends. We shall therefore, in this place, consider his history, and gather a few gems from the remarkable book which bears his name.

Job 1:1

he was but a plain “man” and not a noble, yet was he more noble than the nobles of his time.

His character is given him by infallible inspiration, and surely no man could win a better. His life was well balanced and displayed all the virtues, both towards God and towards man.

Job 1:2-3

So that a rich man may be a good man, and though “gold and the gospel seldom do agree,” yet it may happen that a man of substance may also have substance in heaven. Job was gracious in prosperity, and therefore was sustained in adversity.

Job 1:4

Probably they celebrated their birthdays in this happy and united manner. It is a great happiness to see brothers and sisters knit together in love.

Job 1:5

He did not forbid their festivals, for they were not in themselves sinful, but knowing how prone men are to forget their God, if not themselves, when in the house of feasting, he was anxious to remove any spot which might remain. It is to be feared that few parents are as careful as Job was in this matter.

Job 1:6

To do this he need not be in heaven. God’s assembly room includes all space. What impudence it was on Satan’s part to come before God! What equal impudence when hypocrites pretend to worship the Most High.

Job 1:7

He is a busy itinerant. He is never idle.

Job 1:8

Satan reflects carefully and acts craftily. He had “considered” Job, and watched him narrowly.

Job 1:10

And why not? If Job had been poor and wretched, Satan would have said that the Lord paid his servants wretched wages.

Job 1:11

A cruel insinuation, but Satan was measuring Job’s corn with his own bushel.

Job 1:12

The Lord intended to glorify himself, to further perfect the character of Job, and to furnish his church with a grand example. Hence his challenge to the arch-enemy. Satan went off upon his errand willingly enough, but he little dreamed of the defeat which awaited him.

 

Hast Thou protected me thus far,

To leave me in this dangerous hour?

Shall Satan be allow’d to mar

Thy work, or to resist Thy power?

 

Oh never wilt Thou leave the soul

That flies for refuge to Thy breast!

Thy love, which once hath made me whole,

Shall guide me to eternal rest.