Job 2:1
Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַיּ֔וֹם
Again there was a day
H3117
הַיּ֔וֹם
Again there was a day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 15
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
בְּנֵ֣י
when the sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
when the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לְהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב
them to present
H3320
לְהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב
them to present
Strong's:
H3320
Word #:
6 of 15
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְהוָֽה׃
himself before the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
himself before the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
גַֽם
H1571
גַֽם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
הַשָּׂטָן֙
and Satan
H7854
הַשָּׂטָן֙
and Satan
Strong's:
H7854
Word #:
11 of 15
an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good
בְּתֹכָ֔ם
also among
H8432
בְּתֹכָ֔ם
also among
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
12 of 15
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
לְהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב
them to present
H3320
לְהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב
them to present
Strong's:
H3320
Word #:
13 of 15
to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue
Cross References
Historical Context
The divine council motif appears throughout ancient Near Eastern literature, but Scripture uniquely portrays YHWH as absolutely sovereign, with all other beings—including Satan—subject to His will and permission.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the repetition of the divine council scene deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty over spiritual warfare?
- What comfort do you find in knowing that Satan must repeatedly request permission to attack God's people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The second divine council scene parallels chapter 1, demonstrating that God's purposes unfold in stages. The repetition 'sons of God came to present themselves' shows the regularity of divine governance over the spirit realm. Satan's continued presence despite his failure with Job reveals that God permits evil agents to continue operating even after their accusations prove false—not because God is indecisive, but to further demonstrate His sovereignty and the authenticity of His servants' faith.