The happy, God-pleasing life led by Job for many years excited the
hatred of Satan, who had an old grudge against him. Near Job's house
there was an idol worshipped by the people. Suddenly doubts assailed
the heart of Job, and he asked himself: "Is this idol really the
creator of heaven and earth? How can I find out the truth about it?" In
the following night he perceived a voice calling: "Jobab! Jobab! Arise,
and I will tell thee who he is whom thou desirest to know. This one to
whom the people offer sacrifices is not God, he is the handiwork of the
tempter, wherewith he deceives men." When he heard the voice, Job threw
himself on the ground, and said: "O Lord, if this idol is the handiwork
of the tempter, then grant that I may destroy it. None can hinder me,
for I am the king of this land."[13]
Job, or, as he is sometimes called, Jobab, was, indeed, king of Edom,
the land wherein wicked plans are concocted against God, wherefore it
is called also Uz, "counsel."[14]
The voice continued to speak. It made itself known as that of an
archangel of God, and revealed to Job that he would bring down the
enmity of Satan upon himself by the destruction of the idol, and much
suffering with it. However, if he remained steadfast under them, God
would change his troubles into joys, his name would become celebrated
throughout the generations of mankind, and he would have a share in the
resurrection to eternal life. Job replied to the voice: "Out of love of
God I am ready to endure all things unto the day of my death. I will
shrink back from naught." Now Job arose, and accompanied by fifty men
he repaired to the idol, and destroyed it.
Knowing that Satan would try to approach him, he ordered his guard not
to give access to any one, and then he withdrew to his chamber. He had
guessed aright. Satan appeared at once, in the guise of a beggar, and
demanded speech with Job. The guard executed his orders, and forbade
his entering. Then the mendicant asked him to intercede for him with
Job for a piece of bread. Job knew it was Satan, and he sent word to
him as follows, "Do not expect to eat of my bread, for it is prohibited
unto thee," at the same time putting a piece of burnt bread into the
hand of the guard for Satan. The servant was ashamed to give a beggar
burnt bread, and he substituted a good piece for it. Satan, however,
knowing that the servant had not executed his master's errand, told him
so to his face, and he fetched the burnt bread and handed it to him,
repeating the words of Job. Thereupon Satan returned this answer, "As
the bread is burnt, so I will disfigure thy body." Job replied: "Do as
thou desirest, and execute thy plan. As for me, I am ready to suffer
whatever thou bringest down upon me."
Now Satan betook himself to God, and prayed Him to put Job into his
power,[15] saying: "I went to and fro in the earth, and walked up and
down in it, and I saw no man as pious as Abraham. Thou didst promise
him the whole land of Palestine, and yet he did not take it in ill part
that he had not so much as a burial-place for Sarah.[16] As for Job, it
is true, I found none that loveth Thee as he does, but if Thou wilt put
him into my hand, I shall succeed in turning his heart away from Thee."
But God spake, "Satan, Satan, what hast thou a mind to do with my
servant Job, like whom there is none in the earth?" Satan persisted in
his request touching Job, and God granted it, He gave him full power
over Job's possessions.[17]
This day of Job's accusation was the New Year's Day, whereon the good
and the evil deeds of man are brought before God.[18]