JOB SERIES: CHAPTER 2 – THE ULTIMATE AFFLICTION

Since God is omniscient, He knew how Job would respond to Satan attacks; He knew despite his suffering Job would remain faithful. Satan who is limited in his knowledge; assumed Job would react negatively and curse God; however, this, as he predicted, did not happen. In chapter one, Satan attempted to oppress and overwhelm Job with a series of calamities which he grieved and then worshipped God.

Chapter two opens with another scene in heaven where once again, Satan is present with other angelic beings. God questions Satan concerning his activity and receives the same response as in the previous chapter. Once again, God affirms Job’s righteous character and admits He had no cause to harm Job. Wanting to be right in his estimation of man and still not convinced of Job’s integrity, Satan said, “Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face (Job 2:4-5). God grants Satan his desire to afflict Job physically but restrains him from killing him. Consequently, Satan smites Job, and loathsome sores cover his whole body, causing Job to go and sit near a pile of dung ashes and garbage outside the city.

Instead of offering comfort and encouragement, Job’s wife added to his agony by lamenting, “Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die.” Job rebuked his wife, acknowledged that man could receive both positive and negative things from God, and he remained faithful in not sinning with his lips.

The chapter ends with the visitation of three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Upon hearing the calamities that Job had experienced his friends traveled from abroad to console and comfort Job. When they saw him, they were dismayed; thusly, for seven days, which is custom of that day, they sat with Job silently in a sympathetic act of grief.

I conclude this chapter with these reflections:

1. Satan has access to heaven.
2. Satan must report his activities to God.
3. Unbeknownst to mankind, God is talking to Satan about him.
4. Sometimes God allows Satan to attack believers without a just cause, and he can only do what God permits.
5. Sin may not be the reason why you are experiencing suffering.
6. Satan believes man will willingly sacrifice everything dear to him if it means his life is spared.
7. Satan believes a man can accept various calamities without much complaining, but if his body is touched, he will react negatively.
8. Under extreme circumstances, the closest person to you may foolishly encourage you to reject God.
9. No matter what happens, steadfastly maintain your integrity.
10. When comforting and consoling a grieving person, it is good just sit and not speak.
11. Sometimes your presence being seen is better than your voice being heard.