Discover the biblical meaning behind Job’s trials. Was Job tested or tempted by God? Let’s explore this topic from the Scriptures together.
In Volume 1, we understood that God can test (prove or examine) man, but He does not tempt man. Man is tempted when drawn by his own lust or by the devil (Revelation 12:9). Building on this understanding, let us examine Job’s case. From the New Testament, it is clear that God does not lead men into temptation.
Temptation, which can be referred to as deception, arises from lust or the devil. For example, the devil tempted Eve (Genesis 3) and also tempted Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11). According to the “rule of first mention” in Bible study, the first mention of Satan (as the serpent) portrays him as a tempter and deceiver. Many other scriptures corroborate this fact.
From God’s character and that of the devil, as discussed in Volume 1, we know that God does not tempt people to lead them into trouble. Therefore, it is evident that God did not tempt Job.
Our study focuses on Job 1 and 2:
Job 1:6–11 (KJV)
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.
7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
Job 1:6–11 (AMPC)
6 Now there was a day when the sons (the angels) of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan (the adversary and accuser) also came among them.
7 And the Lord said to Satan, From where did you come? Then Satan answered the Lord, From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.
8 And the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who [reverently] fears God and abstains from and shuns evil [because it is wrong]?
9 Then Satan answered the Lord, Does Job [reverently] fear God for nothing?
10 Have You not put a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have conferred prosperity and happiness upon him in the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
11 But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has, and he will curse You to Your face.
The writer of Job states that there was a day when the sons of God presented themselves before the Lord, and the devil came as well. The devil’s response to God in verse 7 aligns with Peter’s description in 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
Satan’s character is to move to and fro on the earth. Interestingly, the writer of Job is the only one in Scriptures to describe this kind of interaction between God and Satan. There are no corroborating scriptures in the Bible that depict such a dialogue.
Another rule in Bible study is to corroborate scripture with scripture, but no other writer speaks of God and the devil in this manner.
The first mention of “God and the serpent” in the same space is in Genesis 3:14, where God declared judgment on him based on what he did. This was not a friendly relationship. Similarly, in Matthew 4:1–11, Jesus rebuked the devil throughout the three attempts he tempted Jesus. This scenario was not a friendship relationship.
John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The thief (the devil) and God have no common goal. Job 1 and 2 present a narrative that seems at odds with other scriptures. For instance, the devil’s statement in Job 1:11—“But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has, and he will curse You to Your face”—clearly reveals that this was a temptation instigated by the devil. His goal was to push Job to curse God. This seemed as though God was in agreement with the devil to destroy Job to a certain extent.
It sounds like, oh!! “You can deal with him but do not take his life.” This looks like an agreement right? 2 Corinthians 6:14 “..And what communion hath light with darkness?” Put this together, does that sound like God’s character?
Revelation 12:7–12 (NIV) describes the devil as the accuser who leads the world astray and wages war against God’s people. It highlights the complete opposition between God and the devil.
Revelation 20:1–3 (KJV)
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
The consistent theme throughout these scriptures—including Revelation 12:17—is the enmity between God and the devil. There is no evidence of collaboration between them.
Finally, 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV) states:
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”
Paul’s rhetorical question emphasizes that light and darkness have no communion. God, who embodies light, does not have fellowship with darkness, represented by the devil. God instructs believers to live by His character, which is without compromise or communion with evil.
In this volume, we explored Job’s experience as a temptation from the devil, grounded in scriptural insights. In Volume 3, we will delve even deeper into this subject, uncovering more profound biblical truths. Stay tuned for future volumes as we continue this enlightening journey together.
Until then, enjoy!!!!
Bye for now!
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