A sermon on Satan. I. THE CHARACTER OF SATAN 'S PERSON . The question implies: 1 . The existence and personality of the spirit of evil. 2 . His angelic nature. 3 . His incessant activity. 4 . His unwearied vigilance. 5 . The restlessness of his wicked heart. II. THE SPHERE OF SATAN 'S ACTION . 1 . Generally, the earth as opposed to heaven. 2 . Particularly, III. THE MODE OF SATAN 'S WORKING . 1 . By temptation. 2 . By... read more
Satan's wanderings. Here Satan appears in a very prominent and privileged position. He is the accuser rather than the tempter. At all events, he has a range of influence which suggests most terrible possibilities. We must remember that we are perhaps reading a symbolical drama, and must not take every line of it with dry literal exactness, as necessarily descriptive of actual historical events. Nevertheless, it suggests truths of great and lasting importance. I. SATAN IS AT LARGE ... read more
And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered? literally. Hast thou set thine heart on? equivalent to "Hast thou given thine attention to?" (comp. Isaiah 41:22 ; Haggai 1:5 , Haggai 1:7 ). My servant Job ; i.e. "my true servant, faithful in all that he does" (comp. Hebrews 3:5 ). It is a high honour to any man for God to acknowledge him as his servant (see Joshua 1:2 ; 1 Kings 11:13 , etc.). That there is none like him in the earth ; rather, for there is none like... read more
The righteous man. Righteousness as descriptive of human character illustrated in Job. A few words only used. The Divine description. Highest testimony. Generally "my servant,"—the most honourable distinction. There is no higher calling in life than to serve God. But Job stands in special distinction—he is unequalled amongst men. His is the typical example of righteousness till a Greater than he appears. "There is none like him in the earth." A truly honourable position to be the first man... read more
Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Satan insinuates that Job's motive is purely selfish. He serves God, not for love of God, or for love of goodness, but for what he gets by it. Satan is too shrewd to endeavour, as Job's friends do later, to pick holes in Job's conduct. No; that is exemplary. But the true character of acts is determined by the motive. What is Job's motive? Does he not serve God to gain his protection and blessing? Similarly, in modem times,... read more
Doth Job fear God for nought? I. YES ! God ' s servants are not hypocrites . 1 . Those who serve God from mercenary motives do not truly serve him at all ( Isaiah 1:13 ). 2 . Those who serve God sincerely adhere to him when all creature-comforts are withdrawn ( Habakkuk 3:17 ). II. No I God's servants do not go unrewarded. Like Job, they are honoured with: 1. Divine attention ( Psalms 33:18 ). 2 . Divine approbation ( Psalms 147:11 ). 3. Divine... read more
Disinterested piety. Satan's suggestion is obvious enough. Job is religious; but Job is prosperous. Cast down his prosperity, and his religion will come down too like a house of cards. I. TRUE RELIGION BRINGS GREAT REWARDS . AS a matter of fact, Job was making the best of both worlds. While he was fearing and serving God, God was blessing and smiling upon him. 1 . Religion often brings earthly prosperity. It is frequently true that "honesty is the best policy." God... read more
Hast not thou made an hedge about him? i.e. "hedged him around, protected him, made a sort of invisible fence about him, through which no evil could creep." This was undoubtedly true. God had so protected him. But the question was not as to this fact, but as to Job's motive. Was it mere prudence?—tile desire to secure a continuance of this protection? And about his house ; i.e. "his family"—his sons and daughters—the members of his household. And about all that he hath on every side ... read more
But put forth thine hand now ; literally, send forth thy hand, as a man does who strikes a blow (comp. Genesis 22:12 ; Exodus 3:20 ; Exodus 9:15 , etc.). And touch all that he hath ; or, smite all that he hath ; i.e. ruin him, strip him of his possessions. And he will curse thee to thy face. Professor Lee translates, "If not, he will bless thee to thy face;" the LXX ; "Surely he will bless thee to thy face;" Canon Cook, "See if he will not renounce thee openly." But the... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Job 1:7
And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? God condescends to address the evil spirit, and asks him questions—not that anything could be added to his own knowledge, but that the angels, who were present ( Job 1:6 ), might hear and have their attention called to the doings of Satan, which would need to be watched by them, and sometimes to be restrained or prevented. Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. ... read more