1There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and shunned evil, (out of reverence for God). 2And he had seven sons and three daughters. 3He also owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred female donkeys, and a very great household; so that this man was the wealthiest and most respected of all the men of the east. 4And his sons used to feast in their houses, each hosting in his turn; and invited their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5And when the days of their feasting were over, Job would invite and sanctified them, and rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “It may be that (or in case) my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Job did this at such times. 6Now there was a day when the sons of God (angels) came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 7And the LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” 8And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, blameless and upright, who fears God, and shuns evil?” 9Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10Have You not made a hedge around him, around his house, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions are increased in the land. 11But put forth Your hand now, and destroy all that he has, and he will curse You to Your face.” 12And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not touch Job, himself.” So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD. 13Then there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the eldest brother's house: 14And a messenger came to Job, and said, “The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15And the Sabeans swooped down upon them, and took them away; and they also have killed the servants with the sword; and only I escaped to tell you.” 16While he was yet speaking, there came another, and said, “The fire of God (lightning) has fallen from heaven, and has burned up the sheep, killing them and the shepherds; and I, alone, escaped to tell you.” 17While he was yet speaking, there came yet another, who said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, and raided and stole the camels, and killed the servants with the sword; and I, alone, escaped to tell you.” 18While he was yet speaking, there came yet another, and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house; 19And, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, killing them all; and only I escaped to tell you.” 20Then Job arose, tore his mantle, shaved his head, fell upon the ground, and worshipped, 21And said, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” 22In all this Job sinned not, nor blamed God. Reader-Friendly Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2024 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |