A Blameless Man and a Hidden Contest

“A man there was in the land of Uz, Job was his name; and that man was blameless and upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.”

“And there were born to him seven sons and three daughters.”

“And his livestock was seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of cattle, five hundred female donkeys, and very much service; and that man was greater than all the people of the East.”

“And his sons would go and make a feast, each in his house on his day; and they would send and call their three sisters to eat and drink with them.”

“And when the days of the feast had completed their round, Job would send and consecrate them; he would rise early and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all, for Job said, 'Perhaps my children have sinned and blessed God in their hearts.' Thus Job would do continually.”

“And the day came when the sons of God came to present themselves before Yahweh, and the adversary also came among them.”

“And Yahweh said to the adversary, 'From where do you come?' And the adversary answered Yahweh, 'From roaming in the earth and from walking about in it.'”

“And Yahweh said to the adversary, 'Have you set your heart upon my servant Job? For there is none like him in the earth: a man blameless and upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.'”

“And the adversary answered Yahweh and said, 'Is it for nothing that Job fears God?'”

“Have you not hedged around him, around his house, and around all that belongs to him, all around? The work of his hands you have blessed, and his livestock has broken out in the land.”

“But now, stretch out your hand and touch all that belongs to him; surely he will 'bless' you to your face.”

“And Yahweh said to the adversary, 'Look, all that belongs to him is in your hand; only against him do not stretch out your hand.' And the adversary went out from Yahweh's presence.”

“And the day came when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their firstborn brother .”

“And a messenger came to Job and said, 'The cattle were plowing and the female donkeys were grazing beside them.'”

“Then Sheba fell upon them and took them, and the servants they struck by the edge of the sword; and I alone escaped to tell you.”

“While this one was still speaking, another came and said, 'The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned among the sheep and servants and consumed them; and I alone escaped to tell you.'”

“While this one was still speaking, another came and said, 'The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them, and struck the servants by the edge of the sword; and I alone escaped to tell you.'”

“While this one was still speaking, another came and said, 'Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their firstborn brother .'”

“And look, a great wind came from beyond the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house; it fell upon the young people and they died; and I alone escaped to tell you.”

“Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, fell to the ground, and bowed himself down.”

“And he said, 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh took; may the name of Yahweh be blessed.'”

“In all this Job did not sin, and he did not assign impropriety to God.”