Job 1:6

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

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.

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

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

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

Job 1:6 KJV introduces a pivotal scene in the dramatic narrative of Job, shifting the focus from Job's earthly prosperity and righteousness to the unseen spiritual realm. This verse sets the stage for the cosmic conflict that will unfold, directly impacting Job's life.

Context of Job 1:6

The Book of Job begins by establishing Job as a blameless and upright man, blessed by God (see Job 1:1). Immediately following this description of earthly piety, verse 6 transports the reader to a celestial setting. It describes a "day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD," depicting what is often understood as a divine council or heavenly court. This gathering is not exclusive to loyal heavenly beings, as the shocking twist reveals: "and Satan came also among them." This inclusion immediately raises questions about Satan's access to God's presence and his role in the spiritual order.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Divine Council: This verse offers a rare glimpse into the heavenly administration, suggesting God convenes with spiritual beings. It emphasizes God's supreme authority over all creation, visible and invisible.
  • Satan's Access and Role: The presence of Satan in God's assembly is significant. It shows that even the adversary operates under God's ultimate permission and within His sovereign plan, rather than as an independent, opposing force. Satan is not God's equal; he is a created being.
  • The Unseen Spiritual Conflict: Job's suffering, which is about to begin, is not merely earthly misfortune but is rooted in a profound spiritual drama. This verse introduces the concept that human experiences can be part of a larger, unseen battle between good and evil, orchestrated or permitted by God for His purposes. This foreshadows the spiritual warfare believers face (compare with Ephesians 6:12).

Linguistic Insights

  • "Sons of God" (Hebrew: b'nei Elohim): This phrase typically refers to angelic beings in the Old Testament, particularly in contexts like this one where they are seen presenting themselves before God (e.g., Genesis 6:2, Psalm 29:1). Their presence underscores the celestial nature of the assembly.
  • "Satan" (Hebrew: Satan): The word "Satan" here is not initially a proper name but a title meaning "adversary" or "accuser." He functions in this capacity in the heavenly court, challenging God's assessment of Job and seeking to prove that Job's righteousness is conditional. This role is also seen in Zechariah 3:1 and later in the New Testament as the "accuser of our brethren" (Revelation 12:10).

Practical Application

Job 1:6 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that our trials are often not random but can be part of a divine plan that encompasses unseen spiritual forces. Even when we face adversity, the ultimate authority rests with God. Satan, the accuser, may bring charges or inflict suffering, but he can only do so within the boundaries God permits. This understanding encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when His ways are mysterious, knowing that He has the final say and works all things for His glory and the good of those who love Him (as seen in Romans 8:28).

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Cross-References

  • Job 2:1 (19 votes)

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

  • Job 38:7 (15 votes)

    When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

  • Revelation 12:9 (12 votes)

    And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

  • Revelation 12:10 (12 votes)

    And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

  • Zechariah 3:1 (11 votes)

    ¶ And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

  • 1 Kings 22:19 (10 votes)

    And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.

  • Genesis 6:4 (10 votes)

    ¶ There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare [children] to them, the same [became] mighty men which [were] of old, men of renown.