Bible Commentaries

Job 2:6

The book of Job is not a poem for the solitary Jew, but a message for man as man all the world over and through all the ages of time.

I. This is palpable and unquestionable as soon as the special motive for Job's fierce trial is seen. The perfect man, who hates evil and loves right, is left in the hands of Satan by God; and Satan is told that he may do what he pleases with him, only he must spare his life. The permission has no other limit, and the fierce malignity of the devil may be trusted to go as close to the boundary as he can get. But wherefore this permission at all? For what reason does God part with His servant out of His power?

II. Satan challenges the ability of God to attract the confidence and inspire the reverent and hearty devotion of men. The case is crucial. The test is faultless. The experiment is carried to the maximum of severity. No element of evil is omitted. It is the pattern man of the world delivered over to the lord of misrule and wrong. Three times Job is victorious.

The pay goes, and still he serves. Life itself is one agony, but still that agony is a cry to God, "My God, my God!" He loses everything, and would like to lose life itself, but not even death and the grave prevent his exclaiming, "Yet from my flesh shall I see God, my Redeemer and Vindicator."

III. Thus the false and diabolical conception of God is beaten off the field, and the idea remains triumphant that God is lovable in Himself and for Himself, and irrespective of the plenty of His providence and the bounty of His reign. Yea more, He is lovable notwithstanding fearful evils in our lot and in the world. Disinterested love of the Eternal is its own reward. Love of the All-pure and All-perfect is a sufficient heaven for the soul God has made for Himself and fills with Himself.

J. Clifford, Daily Strength for Daily Living, p. 285.

References: Job 2:9.—G. Sexton, "Homilist," Excelsior Series, vol. vii., p. 145. Job 2:10.—Preacher's Monthly, vol. iv., p. 24. Job 2:11.—G. Dawson, Sermons on Daily Life and Duty, p. 225. Job 2:13.—R. Glover, Homiletic Magazine, vol. x., p. 106.