Job 1:8
Verse
Context
Satan’s First Attack
7“Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.”8Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.”
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Hast thou considered my servant Job - Literally, Hast thou placed thy heart on my servant Job? Hast thou viewed his conduct with attention, whilst thou wert roaming about, seeking whom thou mightest devour? viz., the careless, prayerless, and profligate in general.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
8 Then said Jehovah to Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God and escheweth evil. By כּי Jehovah gives the reason of His inquiry. Had Satan been observant of Job, even he must have confessed that there was on the earth real genuine piety. לב שׂים, animum advertere (for לב is animus, נפשׁ anima), is construed with על, of the object on which the attention falls, and on which it fixes itself, or אל, of the object towards which it is directed (Job 2:3). The repetition of the four predicates used of Job (Job 1:1) in the mouth of Jehovah (though without the waw combining both pairs there) is a skilful touch of the poet. Further on, the narrative is also interwoven with poetic repetitions (as e.g., Job 34 and Gen 1), to give it architectural symmetry, and to strengthen the meaning and impression of what is said. Jehovah triumphantly displays His servant, the incomparable one, in opposition to Satan; but this does not disconcert him: he knows how, as on all occasions, so here also, to deny what Jehovah affirms.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
considered--Margin, "set thine heart on"; that is, considered attentively. No true servant of God escapes the eye of the adversary of God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord said unto Satan, hast thou considered my servant Job,.... Or, "hast thou put thine heart on my servant" (p); not in a way of love and affection to him, to do him any good or service, there being an original and implacable enmity in this old serpent to the seed of the woman; but rather his heart was set upon him in a way of desire to have him in his hands, to do him all the mischief he could, as the desire of his heart was toward Peter, Luk 22:31 but the sense of the question is, since thou sayest thou hast been walking up and down in the earth, hast thou not taken notice of Job, and cast an eye upon him, and wished in thine heart to have him in thine hands to do him hurt? I know that thou hast; hast thou not contrived in thine heart how to attack him, tempt him, and draw him from my service, and into sins and snares, in order to reproach and accuse him? thou hast, but all in vain; and so it is a sarcasm upon Satan, as well as an expression of indignation at him for such an attempt upon him, and as anticipating his accusation of Job; for it is as if he should further say, I know he is in thine eye, and upon thine heart, now thou art come with a full intent to accuse and charge him; so Jarchi, "lest thou set thine heart", &c. so as "to have a good will to accuse him" he had, but the Lord prevents him, by giving a high character of him, in these and the following words: here he calls him "my servant"; not a servant of men, living according to the lusts and will of men, and their customs and forays of worship, superstition, and idolatry; nor a servant of sin and the lusts of the flesh; nor of Satan, who boasted of the whole earth being his; but the Lord's servant, not only by creation, but by special choice, by redemption, by efficacious grace, and the voluntary surrender of himself to the Lord under the influence of it; and by his cheerful and constant obedience he answered this character; and the Lord here claims his property in him, acknowledges him as his servant, calls him by name, and gives an high and honourable account of him: that there is none like him in the earth; or "in the land"; in the land of Uz, so Obadiah Sephorno; whatever there were in other countries, there were none in this, being in general idolaters; or in the land of the people of the Heathen nations, as the Targum; or rather in the whole earth, where Satan had been walking: and, very probably, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were now dead; Job being, as it should seem, between them and the times of Moses; and though there might be many godly persons then living, who were like to him in quality, being partakers of the same divine nature, having the same image of God upon them, and the same graces in them, and a similar experience of divine things, yet not upon an equality with him; he exceeded them all in grace and holiness; and particularly, none came up to him for his patience in suffering affliction, though this was often tried; as Moses excelled others in meekness, and Solomon in wisdom; Job was an eminent saint and servant of the Lord, a father in his family, a pillar in his house, like Saul among the people, taller in grace and the exercise of it; and this is a reason why he could not but be taken notice of by Satan, who has his eye more especially on the most eminent saints, and envies them, and strikes at them; and so the words are by some rendered, "for there is none like him" (q); or rather they may be rendered, "but there is none like him" (r): and so are opposed to the accusations and charges Satan was come with against him: a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? See Gill on Job 1:1. Here the character there given is confirmed by the Lord in the express words of it. (p) "nunquid posuisti cor tuum super servum meum", Pagninus, Montanus, Bolducius, Schmidt. (q) "nam", Piscator. (r) "Atqui", Schmidt.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:8 my servant: This title was used for the patriarchs (Gen 26:24; Exod 32:13), the prophets (2 Kgs 17:13; Jer 7:25; Zech 1:6), and David (e.g., 2 Sam 7:1-29; Pss 18:1; 36:1).
Job 1:8
Satan’s First Attack
7“Where have you come from?” said the LORD to Satan. “From roaming through the earth,” he replied, “and walking back and forth in it.”8Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Getting Ready for the Glory
By David Wilkerson3.2K1:07:32GloryJOB 1:8MAT 6:33LUK 9:282CO 12:2COL 1:16HEB 12:1REV 21:23In this sermon, the preacher speaks about the constant flow of praise and the presence of God. He describes a vision of Paradise, where believers will experience endless joy and ecstasy. The preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing our hearts for the coming glory by dedicating quality time to God and fulfilling our responsibilities. He also mentions the biblical admonition to provide for our families and warns against laziness. The sermon concludes with a reference to the apostle Paul's experience of being caught up in the Third Heaven.
(Pure Testimony) Changing Our Way of Thinking
By Zac Poonen2.3K58:03PurityNUM 6:22JOB 1:8MAT 4:4LUK 10:42In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding our minds and being careful about what we watch on television. He warns that even a few seconds of exposure to inappropriate content can have a lasting impact on our minds. The speaker encourages listeners to prioritize listening to the word of God above all else, citing the example of Mary who chose to sit and listen to Jesus' words. He contrasts this with the busyness and distractions of Martha, who focused on her own works rather than on listening to Jesus. The speaker concludes by urging listeners to believe and trust in the words of God, rather than relying on what they see, feel, or hear.
(Through the Bible) Romans 11-12
By Chuck Smith1.7K1:16:40Through The BibleJOB 1:8PSA 119:105ROM 10:20ROM 11:25ROM 12:9JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the government's mistakes and lack of understanding regarding the Middle East. He mentions how the Syrian government released films showing the training of young girls for battle, including disturbing scenes of them biting and eating snakes. The speaker criticizes CBS, NBC, and ABC for not considering this newsworthy. He then transitions to discussing the importance of genuine love without hypocrisy and the need to not conform to the world's standards but instead be transformed by renewing the mind. The sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and seeking His will for one's life.
Living in God's Compound
By Otto Koning1.4K36:10TestimonyJOB 1:8JOB 2:3JOB 2:10JOB 19:25PSA 91:5PSA 91:9PSA 91:11PSA 91:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of how God transformed his family's life. He talks about how his son repented and became a soul winner after attending a life action camp. The speaker also mentions how his daughters' attitude towards food changed, and they started appreciating healthy eating. Additionally, he shares a harrowing experience where a ball of fire narrowly missed his son and daughters in the basement of their home. Through these experiences, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the right relationships with oneself, others, God, and Satan, as demonstrated by Job in the Bible.
(Atlanta 2013) 6. a Church That Manifests God's Wisdom
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:27:11JOB 1:8JER 23:30MAT 11:25EPH 1:17EPH 3:8EPH 3:10JAS 1:26This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a church that truly reflects the wisdom and glory of God, focusing on meeting with Jesus in every church gathering and maintaining a blameless conscience before God and men. It highlights the need for revelation from the Holy Spirit, humility, and a deep desire to be part of the resurrection of the righteous. The goal is to have a church where God's glory is evident and where people can truly encounter Jesus.
Enlarging Our Hearts - Part 5
By Zac Poonen1.1K09:11JOB 1:8PRO 14:30MAT 5:3LUK 15:171CO 13:4PHP 2:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of being 'poor in spirit,' acknowledging our neediness before God without comparing ourselves to others. It warns against jealousy, narrow-heartedness, and the destructive nature of criticizing others. The message encourages developing a large heart, not just for personal benefit but also to glorify God, moving beyond selfish motivations to spiritual maturity.
Balanced Christianity 1. Grace and Truth
By Zac Poonen7181:03:34GEN 1:27JOB 1:8PSA 90:17MAT 7:22JHN 1:14ACT 15:362TI 3:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a balanced Christian life, focusing on the need to grow in maturity and manifest the beauty of Jesus in our daily lives. It highlights the significance of not just reaching out to others but also nurturing and building up believers who are already on their way to heaven. The speaker stresses the value of all scripture, teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness to equip believers for every good work, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to Christian living.
Holy Spirit 8
By William MacDonald63342:20Holy SpiritJOB 1:8JHN 20:291CO 14:261CO 14:341CO 14:392CO 12:7In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of believing in God's word without seeing. They then shift the focus to the topic of healing, acknowledging the prevalence of healing claims in today's media. The speaker highlights the need for a balanced view of healing based on the Word of God. They also share a personal story about a promise of healing found in Psalm 91 and discuss the availability of the Bible in different countries. The sermon concludes by mentioning the purpose of signs, wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit in confirming the gospel message and suggesting that the need for signs may have passed with the completion of the New Testament.
Wait on the Lord, Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill7917:04Waiting On The LordSpiritual RenewalWaiting On GodEXO 19:4JOB 1:8PSA 103:5ISA 40:31MAT 6:33ROM 8:372CO 12:9EPH 2:6PHP 4:131PE 5:7Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord, using the analogy of eagles nurturing their young to illustrate God's care and the necessity of spiritual growth. He discusses how eagles must sometimes be pushed out of their comfort zones to learn to fly, paralleling this with the trials faced by Job, which serve to strengthen faith. Ravenhill encourages believers to rise above worldly distractions and live in the heavenly places, drawing strength from God to renew their spirits and fulfill their divine potential. He reminds the congregation that true strength comes from reliance on God rather than earthly possessions or status.
Re-Examining Revival in the Church
By Larry R. Sinclair0JOB 1:8ISA 25:8MAT 23:241CO 15:542CO 5:4EPH 6:10HEB 11:291PE 5:8REV 12:16The preacher discusses the Greek word 'katapino,' which means to swallow up completely or cause sudden destruction. He emphasizes how our enemy seeks to bring spiritual ruin, weaken our faith, and replace it with fear. By relying on God's strength, believers can resist the enemy and claim victory through faith, obedience, and prayer. The sermon warns about Satan's tactics to devour believers and highlights the importance of being alert, submitting to one another, humbling ourselves, casting our cares on the Lord, and being watchful to resist the enemy's attacks.
The Character of God
By Timothy Dwight0GEN 39:9JOB 1:8JOB 42:1PSA 119:68PSA 139:23PSA 145:9EZK 48:35HAB 1:13ACT 14:17JAS 1:171JN 3:3Timothy Dwight preaches on the story of Job, a righteous man who faced immense suffering and accusations from his friends. Despite his trials, Job maintained his integrity and eventually humbled himself before God. The sermon emphasizes that clear and just views of God's character naturally lead to humility and repentance in individuals. It highlights the importance of realizing God's presence, sovereignty, and goodness, which should evoke abasing and penitential thoughts about ourselves, acknowledging our dependence on Him and our obligation to obey His commands.
Precious in the Sight of God
By K.P. Yohannan0ObedienceFear Of GodEXO 18:21LEV 19:14LEV 25:17JOB 1:8PSA 15:4PSA 85:9PSA 103:11PSA 112:8PSA 119:63ISA 6:3K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of fearing God, illustrating that this reverence is what makes individuals precious in His sight. He highlights Job as a prime example, noting that God valued Job's fear of the Lord above his wealth and accomplishments. The sermon underscores that true obedience stems from recognizing God's holiness and authority, and that blessings come to those who fear Him, even amidst life's challenges. Yohannan also reflects on the life of Watchman Nee, whose unwavering commitment to God, despite persecution, exemplifies the profound impact of living in holy fear. Ultimately, the message calls believers to cultivate a deep reverence for God, which leads to true blessing and a life that honors Him.
The Father as Intercessor
By Andrew Murray0Parental IntercessionSpiritual AuthorityGEN 18:19DEU 6:6JOB 1:8PSA 127:3PRO 22:6EPH 6:4COL 3:211TI 2:1HEB 11:7JAS 5:16Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound role of a father as an intercessor for his children, highlighting the deep concern a godly father has for his children's spiritual well-being. He illustrates this through the example of Job, whose faith and intercession were pivotal in safeguarding his family from sin. Murray asserts that a father's awareness of his spiritual authority and responsibility is crucial for the sanctification of his family, as he acts as a steward of God's grace. The sermon underscores that parental faith and intercession are vital for the spiritual protection and blessing of children.
Overcoming Temptation - `Watch and Pray'
By Erlo Stegen0Overcoming TemptationVigilance in FaithJOB 1:8MAT 26:41LUK 22:322CO 13:5EPH 6:11HEB 12:1JAS 4:71PE 5:8REV 2:7REV 3:20Erlo Stegen emphasizes the critical importance of both watching and praying to overcome temptation, as highlighted in Matthew 26:41. He warns that neglecting to watch can lead to spiritual downfall, using the example of Peter and the relentless nature of Satan, who seeks to devour believers. Stegen illustrates that temptation can come in various forms and that even the most righteous, like Job, are not exempt from trials. He encourages believers to remain vigilant and discerning, as true faith requires active engagement with God's Word and prayer. Ultimately, he calls for repentance and faithfulness, assuring that God can use those who heed His warnings to bless others.
Consecration
By Eli Brayley0EXO 35:22JOB 1:8ROM 12:11CO 6:191CO 10:212TI 2:20Eli Brayley preaches on the importance of consecration, emphasizing that as Christians, without consecration to the Lord, we will achieve very little for Heaven. The key to all spiritual success lies in consecration, which involves dedication, separation, and ultimately consecration to God. Through dedication, believers willingly offer themselves to the Lord for His service, without the intention of serving the world. Separation is crucial as Christians must separate themselves from worldly contaminations to be effective vessels for God's use. Consecration allows the Holy Spirit to flow through believers unhindered, enabling them to be fully used by God.
He Lives
By John Wesley0Faith in SufferingPersonal Relationship with ChristJOB 1:8JOB 19:25MAT 5:1ROM 8:34HEB 7:25John Wesley emphasizes the profound faith of Job, who, despite immense suffering and loss, declares, 'I know that my Redeemer lives.' He draws parallels between Job's trials and our own struggles, highlighting that faith can flourish even in the darkest times. Wesley encourages believers to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus, our Redeemer, who not only lives but also intercedes for us. This faith is not just an exception but can be the norm in our lives, reminding us that the One who overcame death is with us in our trials. Ultimately, Wesley calls us to trust in God's promises and adjust our lives according to His teachings.
(New Wine in New Wineskins) 22. the Church and Tribulation
By Zac Poonen0Endurance in TribulationDiscipleshipJOB 1:8EPH 3:10EPH 6:12Zac Poonen emphasizes the church's role in manifesting God's wisdom to both earthly and heavenly authorities, particularly in the context of tribulation. He draws parallels between the trials faced by Job and the anticipated suffering of the church, highlighting that true discipleship involves enduring criticism and hardship while maintaining faith in God's sovereignty. Poonen reassures believers that God places a protective hedge around those who are wholly devoted to Him, and that any trials they face are permitted by God for their growth and testimony. He encourages the church to embrace tribulation as a means of glorifying God, reminding them that Jesus has overcome the world and calls His followers to do the same. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a commitment to total obedience to God's commandments as a mark of true discipleship.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Hast thou considered my servant Job - Literally, Hast thou placed thy heart on my servant Job? Hast thou viewed his conduct with attention, whilst thou wert roaming about, seeking whom thou mightest devour? viz., the careless, prayerless, and profligate in general.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
8 Then said Jehovah to Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God and escheweth evil. By כּי Jehovah gives the reason of His inquiry. Had Satan been observant of Job, even he must have confessed that there was on the earth real genuine piety. לב שׂים, animum advertere (for לב is animus, נפשׁ anima), is construed with על, of the object on which the attention falls, and on which it fixes itself, or אל, of the object towards which it is directed (Job 2:3). The repetition of the four predicates used of Job (Job 1:1) in the mouth of Jehovah (though without the waw combining both pairs there) is a skilful touch of the poet. Further on, the narrative is also interwoven with poetic repetitions (as e.g., Job 34 and Gen 1), to give it architectural symmetry, and to strengthen the meaning and impression of what is said. Jehovah triumphantly displays His servant, the incomparable one, in opposition to Satan; but this does not disconcert him: he knows how, as on all occasions, so here also, to deny what Jehovah affirms.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
considered--Margin, "set thine heart on"; that is, considered attentively. No true servant of God escapes the eye of the adversary of God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord said unto Satan, hast thou considered my servant Job,.... Or, "hast thou put thine heart on my servant" (p); not in a way of love and affection to him, to do him any good or service, there being an original and implacable enmity in this old serpent to the seed of the woman; but rather his heart was set upon him in a way of desire to have him in his hands, to do him all the mischief he could, as the desire of his heart was toward Peter, Luk 22:31 but the sense of the question is, since thou sayest thou hast been walking up and down in the earth, hast thou not taken notice of Job, and cast an eye upon him, and wished in thine heart to have him in thine hands to do him hurt? I know that thou hast; hast thou not contrived in thine heart how to attack him, tempt him, and draw him from my service, and into sins and snares, in order to reproach and accuse him? thou hast, but all in vain; and so it is a sarcasm upon Satan, as well as an expression of indignation at him for such an attempt upon him, and as anticipating his accusation of Job; for it is as if he should further say, I know he is in thine eye, and upon thine heart, now thou art come with a full intent to accuse and charge him; so Jarchi, "lest thou set thine heart", &c. so as "to have a good will to accuse him" he had, but the Lord prevents him, by giving a high character of him, in these and the following words: here he calls him "my servant"; not a servant of men, living according to the lusts and will of men, and their customs and forays of worship, superstition, and idolatry; nor a servant of sin and the lusts of the flesh; nor of Satan, who boasted of the whole earth being his; but the Lord's servant, not only by creation, but by special choice, by redemption, by efficacious grace, and the voluntary surrender of himself to the Lord under the influence of it; and by his cheerful and constant obedience he answered this character; and the Lord here claims his property in him, acknowledges him as his servant, calls him by name, and gives an high and honourable account of him: that there is none like him in the earth; or "in the land"; in the land of Uz, so Obadiah Sephorno; whatever there were in other countries, there were none in this, being in general idolaters; or in the land of the people of the Heathen nations, as the Targum; or rather in the whole earth, where Satan had been walking: and, very probably, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were now dead; Job being, as it should seem, between them and the times of Moses; and though there might be many godly persons then living, who were like to him in quality, being partakers of the same divine nature, having the same image of God upon them, and the same graces in them, and a similar experience of divine things, yet not upon an equality with him; he exceeded them all in grace and holiness; and particularly, none came up to him for his patience in suffering affliction, though this was often tried; as Moses excelled others in meekness, and Solomon in wisdom; Job was an eminent saint and servant of the Lord, a father in his family, a pillar in his house, like Saul among the people, taller in grace and the exercise of it; and this is a reason why he could not but be taken notice of by Satan, who has his eye more especially on the most eminent saints, and envies them, and strikes at them; and so the words are by some rendered, "for there is none like him" (q); or rather they may be rendered, "but there is none like him" (r): and so are opposed to the accusations and charges Satan was come with against him: a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? See Gill on Job 1:1. Here the character there given is confirmed by the Lord in the express words of it. (p) "nunquid posuisti cor tuum super servum meum", Pagninus, Montanus, Bolducius, Schmidt. (q) "nam", Piscator. (r) "Atqui", Schmidt.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:8 my servant: This title was used for the patriarchs (Gen 26:24; Exod 32:13), the prophets (2 Kgs 17:13; Jer 7:25; Zech 1:6), and David (e.g., 2 Sam 7:1-29; Pss 18:1; 36:1).