“Doth Job Fear God for Nought?”
(Note: Crossword Puzzles on chapters 1-6 are located at the end of this article.)
Some have seen it to be the greatest piece of literature in the world. Statements made within its contents are sometimes shocking as they come from the very depths of the soul of one of whom God has allowed Satan almost full power to work his destruction. As this work begins in the deepest depths of anguish and pain of God’s faithful servant Job (Job 1:8), it progresses throughout the book to reach the heights of heaven by the end of the book, pointing ultimately to the one who can “do every thing” (Job 42:2).
While this unique book of the Old Testament does teach us a great deal about suffering, sin, and patient endurance (James 5:11) and numerous other vital matters, it is mainly a book about the nature of God and our relationship to Him.
As the book begins, Job and his righteous character are presented. The LORD said of him, “there is none like him in the earth” (Job 1:8). He would be the test subject for God. He suffered not because he was sinful, but because he was righteous. He has rightly been called “God’s trophy”.
As the assembly of angels gathered before the LORD on a certain day, chapter 1 of Job says that Satan came also among this group. Why was he there? Let us just say, as usual, he had his sinister purposes. As he and the LORD converse with one another, Satan reveals that he has been investigating the people upon the earth (Job 1:7). Based on God’s response to Satan and their further discussion, this was a cynical type investigation in order to find fault with God.
God asks Satan if he had considered Job in this matter (Job 1:8). As will be seen momentarily, this is not a small compliment to this man of God. Satan then sets the stage for the rest of the book as he fires back at God his sneering remark, “Doth Job fear God for nought?” (Job 1:9).
In other words, “Doesn’t he just worship and serve for the benefits you give him?” In effect, Satan tried to make the accusation that God is not worthy to be praised. That He somehow has to “pay for” the worship He receives. Satan said, “You’ve built an hedge around him and that’s the reason he serves you” (Job 1:10).
Is this accusation true? Does man serve God only for the blessings he receives? Is God truly worthy to be praised?
God vindicates himself in this matter by his servant Job. He allows Satan the power to take almost everything from this man (and there was a great deal to be taken—Job had a lot to lose). When the “hedge” was taken away and destroyed, how did Job respond? Did he curse God as Satan said he would? No! The Bible says that when he lost everything, he fell down and worshipped God (Job 1:20).
No matter the loss or the extent of suffering, Job simply refused to turn his back upon the LORD (Job 1:20). Though he struggled with various matters throughout the book, Job continued to maintain his integrity with God. Truly, God is worthy to be praised. May we, like patient Job of old, never turn our back upon the LORD no matter what the losses or sufferings that may come upon us.
Here are some crossword puzzles on chapters 1-6 of the Book of Job. You may want to read the chapters a few times before working on them. Remeber these are just a way to become more aware with the words in the chapters. Also, keep in mind that context is always key. Look for crossword puzzles for the entire Book of Job articles on this amazing book of the Old Testament.
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Interactive version - job_chapter_1 ; printable version – job_chap_1
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Interactive version - job_chapter_2 ; printable version – job_chap_2
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Interactive version – job_chapter_3 ; printable version – job_chap_3
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Interactive version – job_chapter_4; printable version – job_chap_4
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Interactive version – job_chapter_5; printable version – job_chap_-5
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Interactive version – job_chapter_6; printable version – job_chap_6
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Devotional, Michael Carter
on October 6th, 2008
