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 .
4 His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day , and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When the days of feasting had completed their cycle , Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all ; for Job said , " Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts ." Thus Job did continually e .
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord , and [2]Satan also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan , "From where do you come ?" Then Satan answered the Lord and said , " From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 1:1-7
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.
Commentary on Job 1:6-12
(Read Job 1:6-12)
Job's afflictions began from the malice of Satan, by the Lord's permission, for wise and holy purposes. There is an evil spirit, the enemy of God, and of all righteousness, who is continually seeking to distress, to lead astray, and, if possible, to destroy those who love God. How far his influence may extend, we cannot say; but probably much unsteadiness and unhappiness in Christians may be ascribed to him. While we are on this earth we are within his reach. Hence it concerns us to be sober and vigilant, Revelation 20:1. He has no power to lead men to sin, but what they give him themselves; nor any power to afflict men, but what is given him from above. All this is here described to us after the manner of men. The Scripture speaks thus to teach us that God directs the affairs of the world.