Job 1:6

KJV

¶ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now there was a day {H3117} when the sons {H1121} of God {H430} came {H935} to present {H3320} themselves before the LORD {H3068}, and Satan {H7854} came {H935} also among {H8432} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

It happened one day that the sons of God came to serve ADONAI, and among them came the Adversary [Hebrew: Satan].

Berean Standard Bible

One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them.

American Standard Version

Now it came to pass on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Jehovah, that Satan also came among them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 1:6 dramatically shifts the narrative from Job's earthly piety to a celestial assembly, introducing the "sons of God" and, surprisingly, Satan. This verse unveils the unseen spiritual realm where cosmic decisions are made, setting the stage for the profound trials Job is about to endure and revealing that human suffering can be intricately linked to a divine council and the adversary's accusations, all under God's ultimate sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The preceding verses (Job 1:1-5) meticulously establish Job's unparalleled righteousness, immense wealth, and diligent spiritual practices, portraying him as a paragon of piety in the land of Uz. This detailed introduction of Job's blameless character serves as a crucial backdrop, making the sudden transition in Job 1:6 to a heavenly scene all the more striking. The narrative abruptly moves from the earthly prosperity of a righteous man to a divine assembly, immediately introducing the spiritual forces that will directly challenge and test Job's integrity. This abrupt shift signals to the reader that Job's impending suffering is not merely a random misfortune but is rooted in a cosmic drama, a direct consequence of a heavenly deliberation. The verse acts as a narrative pivot, setting the stage for the ensuing dialogue between God and Satan that will determine the course of Job's trials.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a "divine council" or heavenly assembly, where God presides over celestial beings, is not unique to Job but finds parallels in ancient Near Eastern cosmology and other biblical texts. In many ancient cultures, it was common to envision a pantheon of gods or lesser divine beings who convened with the chief deity. While the Bible firmly establishes Yahweh's singular supremacy, passages like [Psalm 82:1](/psalm/82-1 "Psalm 82:1 - God in the Divine Council") and [1 Kings 22:19-23](/1_kings/22-19 "1 Kings 22:19-23 - Micaiah's Vision of the Heavenly Council") suggest a heavenly court where God interacts with His angelic host. The Book of Job itself is set in the land of Uz, a region likely east of Israel, indicating a non-Israelite setting for Job's personal story, yet the theological truths presented are universal. The cultural understanding of a cosmic order, where unseen forces influence earthly events, would have resonated with the original audience, preparing them for the profound spiritual dimensions of Job's suffering.

* **Key Themes:** Job 1:6 is pivotal in introducing several overarching themes that permeate the book. Firstly, it unveils the theme of **divine sovereignty**, demonstrating that even the forces of evil, personified by Satan, operate under God's ultimate authority and permission, not as independent, co-equal powers. God remains firmly in control of all cosmic and earthly affairs, as seen throughout [the book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job"). Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **unseen spiritual conflict**, revealing that human suffering and experiences can be deeply intertwined with a larger, invisible battle between good and evil. Job's impending trials are shown not to be random but part of a cosmic test initiated in the heavenly realm. This foreshadows the New Testament concept of spiritual warfare, where believers contend not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, as articulated in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare"). Finally, it highlights the theme of **the nature of righteousness and suffering**, setting up the central question of the book: Does Job serve God for nothing? This celestial dialogue challenges the conventional retribution theology prevalent in Job's friends' worldview, suggesting that suffering can occur for reasons beyond direct sin, prompting deeper theological reflection on God's justice and wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sons of God (Hebrew, _b'nei Elohim'_):** This phrase consistently refers to angelic or divine beings in the Old Testament, distinct from human beings. In contexts like Job 1:6, [Job 2:1](/job/2-1 "Job 2:1 - Sons of God in Heaven"), and [Job 38:7](/job/38-7 "Job 38:7 - Sons of God at Creation"), they are depicted as members of God's heavenly court, presenting themselves before Him. Their presence signifies a celestial assembly, emphasizing the divine, non-human participants in this cosmic drama.
* **Satan (Hebrew, _śāṭān'_):** In Job 1:6, "Satan" appears with the definite article "the" (הַשָּׂטָן, _haśśāṭān_), indicating a title or function rather than a proper name. It means "the adversary," "the accuser," or "the opposer." This figure acts as a prosecuting attorney in the heavenly court, challenging God's assessment of Job and serving as a divine agent permitted to test humanity's integrity. His role here is not as an independent evil deity but as a created being operating within God's sovereign boundaries, albeit with malicious intent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD":** This clause establishes the setting: a specific, designated "day" for a divine convocation. The "sons of God," understood as angelic beings, are seen fulfilling a regular duty, appearing before Yahweh. This imagery evokes a heavenly court or administrative assembly, where celestial beings report or receive instructions from the supreme divine authority. It underscores God's active governance over the spiritual realm.
* **"and Satan came also among them":** This is the startling and pivotal element of the verse. The inclusion of "Satan," the adversary, among the loyal angelic host is unexpected and immediately introduces tension. It signifies that the accuser has access to God's presence, not as an equal, but as a subordinate permitted to participate in the heavenly proceedings. His presence foreshadows his role as the instigator of Job's trials, highlighting that even the forces of evil operate under divine oversight and within God's sovereign plan.

#### Literary Devices
Job 1:6 employs several potent literary devices to set the stage for the unfolding drama. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, where the established earthly righteousness of Job (from verses 1-5) is sharply contrasted with the sudden revelation of a celestial assembly. This abrupt shift from the human realm to the divine court creates immediate dramatic tension and signals a profound shift in perspective. The introduction of "Satan" among the "sons of God" is a powerful use of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the unseen conflict and the source of Job's impending suffering. Satan's presence as "the accuser" also functions as **Personification**, giving a concrete, active role to the abstract concept of opposition or adversity within the divine order. Furthermore, the scene itself acts as **Symbolism**, representing the unseen spiritual realities that often influence human experience, reminding the reader that there is more at play than meets the eye. The entire verse functions as a **Narrative Hook**, drawing the reader into the cosmic stakes of Job's story.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 1:6 offers a profound glimpse into the biblical understanding of divine sovereignty and the nature of evil. It clearly demonstrates that God's authority extends over all creation, including the spiritual realm and even the adversary himself. Satan is not an independent, co-equal force opposing God, but a created being who must present himself before the LORD and operates only within the bounds of divine permission. This foundational truth reassures believers that even in the face of intense spiritual opposition or suffering, God remains ultimately in control, orchestrating or allowing events for His greater purposes. It challenges any dualistic worldview that posits two equally powerful forces of good and evil, firmly establishing Yahweh's singular, supreme dominion.

* [Zechariah 3:1-2](/zechariah/3-1 "Zechariah 3:1-2 - Satan as Accuser of Joshua the High Priest")
* [Luke 22:31-32](/luke/22-31 "Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus Prays for Peter Amidst Satan's Desire to Sift")
* [Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - Satan, the Accuser of the Brethren, is Cast Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 1:6 invites us to consider the unseen dimensions of our lives and trials. It reminds us that while our experiences are deeply personal, they can also be part of a larger spiritual narrative, often beyond our comprehension. The presence of Satan in God's court, operating under divine permission, underscores that even the most malicious intentions of the adversary are ultimately subservient to God's sovereign will. This truth can be both challenging and comforting: challenging because it suggests that suffering may not always be a direct consequence of personal sin, and comforting because it assures us that no evil force can act outside of God's ultimate control. When we face inexplicable hardships, this verse encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's overarching plan, knowing that He permits nothing that is not ultimately for His glory and our good, even if the path is arduous. It calls us to maintain our integrity and faith, just as Job did, even when the reasons for our trials remain hidden.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the revelation of a spiritual realm in Job 1:6 change your perspective on personal suffering or societal evil?**
* **In what ways does this verse affirm God's absolute sovereignty over all forces, including evil?**
* **How can understanding Satan's role as "the accuser" (operating under God's permission) impact your prayers and spiritual warfare?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 1:6 imply that Satan is an equal to God?**

Answer: Absolutely not. Job 1:6, along with the entire biblical narrative, consistently portrays Satan as a created being, subordinate to God, not His equal. The phrase "came to present themselves before the LORD" clearly indicates an assembly where God is the supreme authority, and all beings, including Satan, are accountable to Him. Satan's presence is not one of an independent deity but rather that of an agent operating under divine permission, serving a specific, albeit malicious, function within God's sovereign plan. He is "the adversary" or "the accuser," but he is always subject to God's ultimate control and boundaries, as explicitly shown in [Job 1:12](/job/1-12 "Job 1:12 - God's Limits on Satan's Power") and [Job 2:6](/job/2-6 "Job 2:6 - God's Further Limits on Satan"). His power is limited, and his actions are ultimately constrained by the will of the Almighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 1:6, by introducing the cosmic conflict and Satan's role as the accuser in the heavenly court, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ over the powers of darkness. While Satan seeks to accuse and destroy, challenging the integrity of God's people, Jesus Christ emerges as the perfect, righteous one who stands in our place. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to disarm the accuser's charges. The New Testament reveals that through His death and resurrection, Christ has [triumphed over principalities and powers](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers"), rendering Satan's accusations powerless against those who are in Him. Furthermore, Jesus Himself faced and overcame the temptations of Satan in the wilderness, demonstrating His perfect obedience where humanity failed, as recorded in [Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness"). He is not merely our advocate against the accuser, as described in [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate"), but the one who has definitively crushed the serpent's head, fulfilling the promise of [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium"). Thus, Job 1:6 sets the stage for a cosmic drama that finds its glorious resolution and ultimate victory in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who delivers us from the domain of darkness and brings us into His marvelous light.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.