Job 1:8
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 1:8
8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Chapter Context
Job 1 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, creation, fellowship. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 1:8
8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Analysis
God's question to Satan introduces the central conflict. The phrase 'Hast thou considered' (sam libbeka, שַׂמְתָּ לִבְּךָ) literally means 'Have you set your heart/mind upon'—God directs Satan's attention to Job. The divine description repeats verse 1's language about Job being 'perfect and upright.' The phrase 'there is none like him in the earth' establishes Job's unique righteousness. This sets up Satan's accusation: does Job serve God freely or only for benefits? The text reveals God's sovereign control—Satan can only act with divine permission, bound by limits God sets.
Historical Context
The heavenly council scene (1:6-12) reflects ancient Near Eastern imagery where divine beings present themselves before the sovereign deity. Satan (ha-satan, הַשָּׂטָן) means 'the adversary,' appearing with the definite article suggesting a role or title. This dialogue format demonstrates that earthly events have heavenly dimensions—Job's suffering involves cosmic stakes regarding whether creatures can love God for Himself.
Reflection
- How does understanding that our faithfulness has cosmic significance affect how we view trials?
- What does God's confidence in Job teach us about how He views His faithful servants even when allowing testing?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: 2 Kings 23:25
- References God: Psalms 84:11
- Evil: Job 1:1, 2:3, 8:20, Psalms 37:27, Proverbs 8:13, Isaiah 1:16
- Parallel theme: Numbers 12:3, Isaiah 42:1