Job 1:13-22 - Homiletics

The first trial of the patriarch.

I. THE PREPARATION FOR THE TRIAL . The patriarch at the height of his prosperity. The season pitched upon for making an assault upon the patriarch was a day of:

1 . Festive rejoicing ; when the patriarch's family were convened at a banquet of unusual magnificence, "eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house;" such a sumptuous entertainment doubtless as became the firstborn to provide.

2 . Busy industry ; when the whole household of the patriarch was astir with unwonted activity: the ploughmen driving furrows through the soil with the assistance of the patient oxen, while the she-asses cropped the pastures in their vicinity; the shepherds tending the vast droves of sheep which spread themselves across the plain; and the camel-drivers going and returning with their caravans of costly merchandise.

3 . Unmingled happiness ; in which the patriarch, it may well be imagined, surveying his earthly lot, observing the loving unity and innocent gladness of his children, and beholding the fidelity and diligence of his servants, realized that his cup of terrestrial felicity was full and even overflowing.

4 . Fancied security ; in which not a cloud appeared in all the wide and clear horizon; not a shadow dimmed the brightness of the sky, not a speck of trouble anywhere could be detected to excite the patriarch's alarm. It was such a day as seldom falls to the lot of God's people on earth to enjoy; and the selection of that day above all others for casting down the patriarch from the pinnacle of his greatness and the summit of his felicity was doubtless craftily designed that the very loftiness of the patriarch's elevation might intensify the depth and severity of his fall.

II. THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TRIAL . The patriarch's prosperity overthrown.

1 . The swiftly completed ruin.

2 . The skilfully arranged report.

III. THE ISSUE OF THE TRIAL . The patriarch's reception of the news.

1 . With penitential sorrow ; expressed in the symbolic actions of rending his garments (cf. Genesis 37:34 ; Joshua 7:6 ; 2 Samuel 1:11 ; 2 Samuel 3:31 ) and shaving his head (cf. Isaiah 15:2 ; Isaiah 22:12 ; Jeremiah 7:29 ; Jeremiah 41:5 ; Micah 1:16 ); the first revealing the vehemence and intensity of the patriarch's emotion, and the second pointing to its calmness and moderation.

2 . With pious resignation. Acknowledging:

3 . With lowly adoration. Falling on the ground and worshipping; thus giving the lie to Satan's calumny by retaining his steadfastness and maintaining his integrity; not cursing God to his face, but solemnly, reverently, and devoutly adding, "Blessed be the Name of Jehovah!"

IV. THE VERDICT ON THE TRIAL . The complete vindication of the patriarch. His triumphant passage through the appalling ordeal is:

1 . Commended by God. The statement of the historian we must regard as but the transcript of the Divine judgment upon the trial: "In all this Job sinned not, neither charged God foolishly."

2 . Admitted by Satan. This appears from Job 2:4 , where, though the devil is prepared with an explanation of the cause, he is yet constrained to admit the fact of Job's steadfast allegiance to Jehovah throughout his first onslaught.

3 . Recorded by the historian. So that wherever this ancient poem finds a reader there shall the courage and fidelity of the stricken patriarch be known and admired.

Learn:

1 . That if God has his times and seasons, and Christ has his hours, and man his opportunities for working, so also the devil has his days for his Satanic movements.

2 . That the devil's assaults upon human virtue and Christian fidelity are always characterized by consummate wisdom as regards both the times and the instruments as well as the methods of attack.

3 . That the power of Satan to injure man is well-nigh unlimited, at least when God permits.

4 . That the most prosperous estate of man may, in a moment, be converted into the profoundest misery, as the brightest day may be followed by the darkest night.

5 . That calamities seldom fall upon God's people singly and alone, are apt to be misconstrued as to their origin and design, but should never fail to lead the heart closer to God.

6 . That God's people should in times of adversity remember their origin and prepare for their end.

7 . That, whether suffering or rejoicing, saints should imitate the piety of Job, recognize God's hand in everything, and "in everything give thanks."