11 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job ; and that man was blameless , upright , fearing God and turning away from evil . 2 Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 His possessions also were 7,000 e sheep , 3,000 e camels , 500 e yoke of oxen , 500 e female donkeys , and very many servants ; and that man was the greatest of all the [1]men of the east .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 1:1-3
Commentary on Job 1:1-5
(Read Job 1:1-5)
Job was prosperous, and yet pious. Though it is hard and rare, it is not impossible for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. By God's grace the temptations of worldly wealth may be overcome. The account of Job's piety and prosperity comes before the history of his great afflictions, showing that neither will secure from troubles. While Job beheld the harmony and comforts of his sons with satisfaction, his knowledge of the human heart made him fearful for them. He sent and sanctified them, reminding them to examine themselves, to confess their sins, to seek forgiveness; and as one who hoped for acceptance with God through the promised Saviour, he offered a burnt-offering for each. We perceive his care for their souls, his knowledge of the sinful state of man, his entire dependence on God's mercy in the way he had appointed.