Job 2:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 2:1-6

Satan, that sworn enemy to God and all good men, is here pushing forward his malicious prosecution of Job, whom he hated because God loved him, and did all he could to separate between him and his God, to sow discord and make mischief between them, urging God to afflict him and then urging him to blaspheme God. One would have thought that he had enough of his former attempt upon Job, in which he was so shamefully baffled and disappointed; but malice is restless: the devil and his instruments... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 2:4

And Satan answered the Lord, and said ,.... Satan would not as yet own that Job was the man the Lord had described; but still would suggest, that he was a selfish and mercenary man, and that what had been done to him was not a sufficient trial of his integrity; the thing had not been pushed far and close enough to discover him; he had lost indeed his substance, and most of his servants, and all his children, but still he had not only his own life, but his health and ease; and so long as he... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 2:4

Skin for skin - That is, A man will part with all he has in the world to save his life; and he will part with all by piecemeal, till he has nothing left on earth, and even be thankful, provided his life be spared. Thou hast only destroyed his property; thou hast left him his life and his health. Thou hast not touched his flesh nor his bone; therefore he is patient and resigned. Man, through the love of life, will go much farther: he will give up one member to save the rest; yea, limb after... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:1-6

A new trial moved for. I. THE OLD OCCASION RETURNED . 1 . The gathering of the sons of God. The recurrence of this celestial scene reminds us of: 2 . The reappearance of the adversary. If, on the former occasion, the entrance of Satan amongst God's celestial sons might permissibly be regarded as an impertinent intrusion, in the present instance his return must be held as having taken place in accordance with a tacit understanding that, in due course, he should appear to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:1-10

Renewed assaults and temptations of the adversary. The first scene in this drama of affliction has closed, and a fresh one opens, bringing, however, no happy change, no alleviation, but rather an aggravation of the hero's woe. A second time the adversary of mankind appears in the heavenly court to launch his malicious shafts of accusation against the servant of God. His purpose is now more intent, his aim more deadly, than ever. But we, as spectators, can see a bright light still steadily... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:1-10

The severer tests of faith. Job has triumphed in the severe ordeal. His possessions, his servants, his family, have been torn from him. In the bitterness of his sorrow he has "rent his mantle," and shown the signs of his humiliation by cutting off the hair of his head. But in the paroxysms of his grief he has "held fast his integrity;" he "sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." So far he has passed through the fire unscathed, and belied the false accusations of the adversary. But further... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:1-13

This chapter concludes the "Introductory section." It consists of three parts. Job 2:1-6 contain an account of Satan's second appearance in the courts of heaven, and of a second colloquy between him and the Almighty. Job 2:7-10 contain the sequel to this colloquy, viz. Satan's further affliction of Job, and his conduct under it. Verses 11-13 contain an account of the arrival of Job's three special friends to mourn with him and to comfort him; and of their behavior during the first... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:4

And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin . No doubt a proverbial expression, resembling "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth; Tit for tat," and the like; but not expressive of retaliation. Satan means that, to keep his own "skin" intact, a man will sacrifice another's "skin;" even that of his nearest and dearest. Job, he insinuates, submitted to the loss of his children without a murmur, because he feared that otherwise God would stretch forth his hand against his person, and smite it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:4

The value of life. I. MORE VALUABLE THAN MATERIAL POSSESSIONS . 1 . In origin ; being the breath of God's Spirit, while they are only the work of God's hand. 2 . In nature ; being conscious of its own existence, while they are only dead, insensate things. 3 . In capacities ; being possessed of intellect, reason, conscience, will, while they have only properties and qualities peculiar to matter. 4 . In design ; being intended for the conscious enjoyment... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 2:4

Satan's proverb. I. THE IMPORT OF IT . That a man will part with everything about him to save his life. II. THE FALSEHOOD OF IT . 1 . Men will part with all outward things to save life. 2 . Some men will even part with a good conscience to save life. 3 . But there are those who would rather die than renounce their integrity. read more

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