Job 2:1-9

Job’s Adversary refuses to give up

1 One day the divine beings came to present themselves before the LORD. The Adversary also came among them to present himself before the LORD.

2 The LORD said to the Adversary, "Where have you come from?" The Adversary answered the LORD, "From wandering throughout the earth."

3 The LORD said to the Adversary, "Have you thought about my servant Job, for there is no one like him on earth, a man who is honest, who is of absolute integrity, who reveres God and avoids evil? He still holds on to his integrity, even though you incited me to ruin him for no reason."

4 The Adversary responded to the LORD, "Skin for skin—people will give up everything they have in exchange for their lives.

5 But stretch out your hand and strike his bones and flesh. Then he will definitely curse you to your face."

6 The LORD answered the Adversary, "There he is—within your power; only preserve his life."

The test intensifies

7 The Adversary departed from the LORD's presence and struck Job with severe sores from the sole of his foot to the top of his head.

8 Job took a piece of broken pottery to scratch himself and sat down on a mound of ashes.

9 Job's wife said to him, "Are you still clinging to your integrity? Curse God, and die."

Job 2:1-9 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 2

This chapter gives an account of a second trial of Job's constancy and integrity, the time and occasion of it, Job 2:1-3; the motion made for it by Satan, which being granted, he smote him from head to foot with sore boils, which he endured very patiently, Job 2:4-8; during which sad affliction he is urged by his wife to give up his integrity, which he bravely resisted, Job 2:9,10; and the chapter is concluded with an account of a visit of three of Job's friends, and of their conduct and behaviour towards him, Job 2:11-13.

Footnotes

• [a] Or bless
• [b] Or bless