Job 2:2

And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Satan {H7854}, From whence {H335} comest {H935} thou? And Satan {H7854} answered {H6030} the LORD {H3068}, and said {H559}, From going to and fro {H7751} in the earth {H776}, and from walking up and down {H1980} in it.

ADONAI asked the Adversary, "Where are you coming from?" The Adversary answered ADONAI, "From roaming through the earth, wandering here and there."

“Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.”

And Jehovah said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

Job 2:2 continues the dramatic narrative begun in the first chapter, detailing a second celestial encounter between God and Satan concerning the righteous man Job. This verse specifically records God's direct question to Satan about his whereabouts and Satan's revealing response.

Context

This verse immediately follows a renewed heavenly council, mirroring the scene described in Job 1:6. After Satan's initial assault on Job's possessions and children, resulting in profound loss but not Job's renunciation of God, the adversary returns. God initiates the conversation, highlighting Job's steadfast integrity even after immense suffering. Satan's answer sets the stage for the second, more severe test of Job's faith, focusing on his physical well-being.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Control: The dialogue powerfully illustrates that even Satan, the ultimate adversary, is not independent. He must report to God and operates strictly within the bounds of divine permission. This reinforces the foundational truth that God's authority extends over all creation, including the forces of evil.
  • Satan's Relentless Activity: Satan's reply, "From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it," paints a vivid picture of his nature and mission. It signifies a restless, vigilant, and malevolent presence, constantly searching for opportunities to accuse, tempt, and bring destruction. This imagery highlights his active pursuit of vulnerabilities among humanity, much like a predator seeking prey. This resonates with how 1 Peter 5:8 describes him as a roaring lion.
  • The Unseen Spiritual Conflict: The exchange between God and Satan underscores that behind the visible events of human suffering, there is often an unseen spiritual battle. Job's trials are not random misfortune but part of a cosmic challenge to his integrity and God's justice, initiated by an accuser of the brethren, as seen in Revelation 12:10.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrases used for "going to and fro" (שׁוּט, shût) and "walking up and down" (הִתְהַלֵּךְ, hithallēkh) convey more than just casual wandering. They suggest a deliberate, purposeful patrolling or scouting. This imagery emphasizes Satan's active and methodical search for weaknesses, reflecting his role as an adversary who is always on the lookout for opportunities to undermine faith and cause spiritual harm.

Practical Application

This verse provides significant insight for believers today. It assures us that while Satan is a real and active foe, he is ultimately under God's sovereign control. This knowledge can bring comfort amidst trials, reminding us that no suffering is outside of God's oversight. It also serves as a call to spiritual vigilance, encouraging us to recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and to put on the full armor of God. Understanding Satan's restless nature encourages believers to resist the devil, knowing that he is a defeated enemy whose power is limited by divine permission.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 5:8

    ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

  • Job 1:7

    And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

  • Genesis 16:8

    And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:4

    In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

  • John 14:30

    Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

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