ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Job 1

1:1–2:13 Prologue: Job’s Character and the Circumstances of His Test. The book opens by introducing Job as blameless and upright. He is blessed with family and possessions. His life embodies faith in God both for himself and on behalf of his family (1:1–5). The author then describes conversations between God and Satan as Satan requests permission to test Job’s character by afflicting him (1:6–2:10). The author then describes how Job’s three friends hear of his suffering and come to offer sympathy and comfort (2:11–13). This creates the context for the rest of the book.

Job 1:1 The precise location of the land of Uz is unknown. It may be related to Aram (Gen. 10:22–23), where Abraham’s nephew and family lived (Gen. 22:21), or to a descendant of Seir who lived alongside the sons of Esau in the land also referred to as Edom (Gen. 36:28; see also Lam. 4:21). Job’s faithfulness is stated at the beginning and affirmed again in Job 1:8 and 2:3. He is blameless and upright (a phrase also used to describe Noah [Gen. 6:9] and Abraham [Gen. 17:1]). Job is one who feared God and turned away from evil, which is how the book of Proverbs describes one who is wise (see Prov. 3:7; 14:16; 16:6).

Job 1:2–4 The large numbers of children, livestock, and servants, along with the feasting, suggest Job has enormous wealth. on his day. Birthday. Compare 18:20.

Job 1:5 cursed God in their hearts. The Hebrew is literally “blessed God in their hearts” (see esv footnote). The context indicates, however, that the opposite idea, “to curse,” is intended. The same verb is used in this way, as a euphemism, in v. 11; 2:5; 9; 1 Kings 21:10, 13.

Job 1:6–12 The Lord draws Satan’s attention to Job, initiating the chain of events related in the rest of the book.

Job 1:6 Sons of God refers to heavenly beings gathered before God like a council before a king (compare 15:8; Isa. 6:1–8). Satan. The Hebrew noun satan is commonly used to describe an adversary (e.g., 1 Sam. 29:4; 1 Kings 11:14). Here it refers to a specific individual (“the Adversary,” esv footnote) who does not appear to be one of the sons of God but who also came among them. The dialogue that follows reveals the character of this figure to be consistent with that of the serpent in Genesis 3, a character who is also referred to by using this noun as a proper name, “Satan” (e.g., 1 Chron. 21:1; see also Rev. 12:9).

Job 1:12 Satan has to ask permission to test Job (see also 2:6). This indicates his authority is under God’s control.

Job 1:13–19 Job’s troubles come from multiple directions in rapid succession. The Sabeans come from the south (v. 15), the fire from heaven (v. 16), the Chaldeans from the north (v. 17), and the wind from the east (v. 19).

Job 1:20 In the wake of his loss, Job expresses both grief (Job . . . tore his robe and shaved his head) and trust in the Lord (and fell on the ground and worshiped).

Job 1:21 In contrast to what Satan suggests will happen (vv. 9–11), Job cries out, “blessed be the name of the Lord.”