Job 1:12

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath [is] in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Satan {H7854}, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power {H3027}; only upon himself put not forth {H7971} thine hand {H3027}. So Satan {H7854} went forth {H3318} from the presence {H6440} of the LORD {H3068}.

ADONAI said to the Adversary, "Here! Everything he has is in your hands, except that you are not to lay a finger on his person." Then the Adversary went out from the presence of ADONAI.

“Very well,” said the LORD to Satan. “Everything he has is in your hands, but you must not lay a hand on the man himself.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

And Jehovah said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of Jehovah.

Commentary

Job 1:12 is a pivotal verse in the Book of Job, marking the moment God grants Satan permission to test Job's faithfulness, with a critical limitation. This verse sets the stage for the profound trials Job endures, exploring themes of suffering, divine sovereignty, and human integrity.

Context

This verse follows a crucial dialogue in the heavenly court scene, where Satan appears before God. God highlights Job's blameless character (Job 1:8), prompting Satan to accuse Job of serving God only because of the blessings he receives (Job 1:9-11). Satan suggests that if Job's prosperity were removed, he would curse God. In response, God permits Satan to strip Job of all his possessions and family, but strictly forbids him from harming Job physically. This divine permission, granted in the heavenly realm, directly impacts Job's earthly life, initiating his profound suffering.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Permission: The verse powerfully illustrates God's ultimate control over all events, even those orchestrated by evil. Satan cannot act independently but must seek and receive God's explicit permission. This highlights that God remains sovereign even amidst chaos and suffering.
  • Satan's Limited Power: Despite his malevolent intent, Satan's power is strictly circumscribed by God's will. The phrase "only upon himself put not forth thine hand" signifies an inviolable boundary set by the Almighty, demonstrating that Satan's power is always subordinate to divine will and purpose.
  • The Testing of Integrity: God allows this severe test not to prove something to Himself, but to vindicate Job's integrity and demonstrate the authenticity of his faith to Satan and the spiritual realm. It underscores that genuine faith can withstand immense pressure.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Satan" (שָׂטָן, śāṭān) literally means "adversary" or "accuser." In this context, it functions as a proper noun, referring to the specific spiritual being who opposes God and humanity. His role here is precisely that of an accuser, challenging the sincerity of Job's devotion. The phrase "presence of the LORD" (מֵעִם יְהוָה, mēʿim Yahweh) emphasizes that this interaction occurs directly before God's authority, indicating a divine council or heavenly court setting where spiritual beings are accountable.

Practical Application

Job 1:12 offers profound comfort and insight for believers facing trials today. It reminds us that:

  • God is in control: Even when life feels chaotic or under spiritual attack, God's sovereignty remains absolute. No suffering or evil can touch us without His ultimate permission and purpose (Romans 8:28).
  • There are limits to evil: Satan is not omnipotent. God sets boundaries on what he can do, ensuring that trials, though severe, serve a divine purpose and do not exceed what we can bear with God's grace (1 Corinthians 10:13).
  • Faith is refined through testing: Like Job, our faith may be tested, but these trials are often opportunities for God to demonstrate our genuine devotion and to deepen our trust in Him, proving that our worship is not conditional on circumstances.

This verse encourages us to trust God's wisdom and goodness, even when His ways are mysterious and painful, knowing that He holds all things in His powerful hands.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 22:31 (10 votes)

    And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:

  • Luke 22:32 (10 votes)

    But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:7 (7 votes)

    And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

  • John 3:35 (6 votes)

    The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

  • John 3:36 (6 votes)

    He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 (4 votes)

    There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

  • Job 2:4 (4 votes)

    And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.