Job 2:1 Study Bible: Again it happened on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, that Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

◄ Job 2:1 ►

On another day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before Him.

Study Bible

On another day
This phrase indicates a continuation of the narrative, suggesting a cyclical or ongoing nature of the events in the heavenly realm. The Hebrew word for "day" is "yom," which can mean a literal day or a period of time. In the context of Job, it emphasizes the ongoing spiritual battle and the testing of Job's faith. It reminds us that spiritual challenges can be recurrent, and our faith is tested over time.

the sons of God
This term refers to angelic beings who are in the presence of God. The Hebrew phrase "bene ha-Elohim" is used here, which is often interpreted as divine beings or angels. This highlights the reality of a spiritual realm that operates alongside the physical world. It underscores the belief in a structured heavenly order where these beings serve God and carry out His will.

came to present themselves
The phrase suggests a formal gathering or assembly before God, indicating accountability and order in the heavenly realm. The Hebrew root "yatsab" implies standing or taking a position, which conveys the idea of presenting oneself for duty or reporting. This reflects the concept of divine order and the accountability of all creation to the Creator.

before the LORD
The use of "LORD" in all caps signifies the Hebrew name "Yahweh," the covenant name of God. This emphasizes the personal and relational aspect of God with His creation. It is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His intimate involvement in the affairs of the world. The presence of the "sons of God" before Yahweh highlights His supreme authority over all spiritual beings.

and Satan also came with them
The inclusion of Satan, or "ha-Satan" in Hebrew, meaning "the accuser" or "adversary," indicates his role in the heavenly court. This phrase underscores the reality of evil and opposition within the spiritual realm. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual warfare and the presence of an adversary who seeks to challenge and undermine God's purposes.

to present himself before the LORD
This repetition of the phrase emphasizes the formal and obligatory nature of Satan's appearance before God. Despite his role as an adversary, Satan is still subject to God's authority and must present himself in the divine council. This highlights the ultimate sovereignty of God over all creation, including those who oppose Him. It reassures believers of God's control and the assurance that evil is not beyond His reach or authority.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Sons of God
This term refers to angelic beings who serve and worship God. In the context of Job, they are seen as part of the heavenly court.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is sovereign over all creation and the central figure in the book of Job.

3. Satan
The adversary or accuser, who challenges the integrity of Job's faith. The Hebrew term "Satan" means "adversary" or "accuser."

4. Heavenly Assembly
The setting is a divine council where spiritual beings present themselves before God, indicating a structured order in the heavenly realm.

5. Job
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Job is the central human figure whose faith and righteousness are being tested.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
The scene in Job 2:1 underscores God's ultimate authority over all creation, including spiritual beings. Believers can find comfort in knowing that nothing happens outside of God's control.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The presence of Satan in the heavenly assembly reminds us of the ongoing spiritual battle. Christians are called to be vigilant and to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Integrity in Trials
Job's account encourages believers to maintain their integrity and faithfulness to God, even when facing severe trials and accusations.

The Role of Angels
Understanding the role of angels as servants of God can deepen our appreciation for the unseen spiritual realities that support God's work in the world.

The Nature of Testing
Trials can serve as a means to refine and strengthen our faith. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's purposes, even when they are not immediately clear.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a heavenly council in Job 2:1 shape our understanding of God's sovereignty and the spiritual realm?

2. In what ways can the presence of Satan in this assembly inform our understanding of spiritual warfare and the nature of temptation?

3. How can Job's response to his trials inspire us to maintain our integrity and faith in difficult times?

4. What other biblical examples can you find where God allows testing for the purpose of refining faith? How do these examples encourage you?

5. How can the knowledge of angelic beings serving God impact our daily walk and prayer life as believers?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 6:2
The term "sons of God" is also used here, referring to divine beings, which helps us understand the context of Job 2:1.

1 Kings 22:19-22
This passage describes a similar heavenly council, providing insight into the spiritual realm and God's sovereignty.

Revelation 12:10
Satan is described as the accuser of the brethren, which aligns with his role in Job 2:1.

Sermons

Renewed Assaults and Temptations of the Adversary	E. Johnson	Job 2:1-10
Spiritual Agencies, Good and Evil, in Sickness	J. C. Boyce, M. A.	Job 2:1-10
The Afflictions of Job	D. J. Burrell, D. D.	Job 2:1-10
The Afflictions of Job	T. J. Holmes.	Job 2:1-10
The Severer Tests of Faith	R. Green	Job 2:1-10

People

Bildad, Eliphaz, Job, Zophar

Places

Topics

Adversary, Fell, Gods, God's, Midst, Pass, Present, Satan, Sons, Station, Themselves

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Job 2:1

4195 spirits

Job 2:1-6

5828 danger

Job 2:1-7

4121 Satan, enemy of God

Library

February 24 Evening
Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?--JOB 2:10. I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.--O Lord, thou art our father, we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.--It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good. Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments. He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.--Whom the Lord loveth …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Resignation.
"What! shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?"--Job 2:10. "Ich hab' in guten Stunden." [50]Christian Furchtegott Gellert. transl., Sarah Findlater, 1855 I have had my days of blessing, All the joys of life possessing, Unnumber'd they appear! Then let faith and patience cheer me, Now that trials gather near me: Where is life without a tear? Yes, O Lord, a sinner looking O'er the sins Thou art rebuking, Must own Thy judgments light. Surely I, so oft offending, Must …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther

It is Indeed a Greater Fight of Patience...
9. It is indeed a greater fight of patience, when it is not a visible enemy that by persecution and rage would urge us into crime which enemy may openly and in broad day be by not consenting overcome; but the devil himself, (he who doth likewise by means of the children of infidelity, as by his vessels, persecute the children of light) doth by himself hiddenly attack us, by his rage putting us on to do or say something against God. As such had holy Job experience of him, by both temptations vexed, …
St. Augustine—On Patience

Whether Death is Essential to Martyrdom?
Objection 1: It seems that death is not essential to martyrdom. For Jerome says in a sermon on the Assumption (Epist. ad Paul. et Eustoch.): "I should say rightly that the Mother of God was both virgin and martyr, although she ended her days in peace": and Gregory says (Hom. iii in Evang.): "Although persecution has ceased to offer the opportunity, yet the peace we enjoy is not without its martyrdom, since even if we no longer yield the life of the body to the sword, yet do we slay fleshly desires …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Jesus, My Rock.
When the storm and the tempest are raging around me, Oh! where shall I flee to be safe from their shock? There are walls which no mortal hands built to surround me, A Refuge Eternal,--'Tis JESUS MY ROCK! When my heart is all sorrow, and trials aggrieve me, To whom can I safely my secrets unlock? No bosom (save one) has the power to relieve me, The bosom which bled for me, JESUS MY ROCK! When Life's gloomy curtain, at last, shall close o'er me, And the chill hand of death unexpectedly knock, I will …
John Ross Macduff—The Cities of Refuge: or, The Name of Jesus

Illness and Patience of the Saint. The Story of a Priest whom She Rescued from a Life of Sin.
1. I forgot to say how, in the year of my novitiate, I suffered much uneasiness about things in themselves of no importance; but I was found fault with very often when I was blameless. I bore it painfully and with imperfection; however, I went through it all, because of the joy I had in being a nun. When they saw me seeking to be alone, and even weeping over my sins at times, they thought I was discontented, and said so. 2. All religious observances had an attraction for me, but I could not endure …
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

The Christian Described
HAPPINESS OF THE CHRISTIAN O HOW happy is he who is not only a visible, but also an invisible saint! He shall not be blotted out the book of God's eternal grace and mercy. DIGNITY OF THE CHRISTIAN There are a generation of men in the world, that count themselves men of the largest capacities, when yet the greatest of their desires lift themselves no higher than to things below. If they can with their net of craft and policy encompass a bulky lump of earth, Oh, what a treasure have they engrossed …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may …
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Of his Cross what Shall I Speak, what Say? this Extremest Kind of Death...
9. Of His cross what shall I speak, what say? This extremest kind of death He chose, that not any kind of death might make His Martyrs afraid. The doctrine He shewed in His life as Man, the example of patience He demonstrated in His Cross. There, you have the work, that He was crucified; example of the work, the Cross; reward of the work, Resurrection. He shewed us in the Cross what we ought to endure, He shewed in the Resurrection what we have to hope. Just like a consummate task-master in the matches …
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Elucidations.
I. (The Shepherd of Hermas, p. 85.) Here, and in chap. xx. below, Tertullian's rabid utterances against the Shepherd may be balanced by what he had said, less unreasonably, in his better mood. [999] Now he refers to the Shepherd's (ii. 1) [1000] view of pardon, even to adulterers. But surely it might be objected even more plausibly against "the Shepherd," whom he prefers, in common with all Christians, as see John viii. 1-11, which I take to be canonical Scripture. A curious question is suggested …
Tertullian—On Modesty

Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Adam's Sin
Q-15: WHAT WAS THE SIN WHEREBY OUR FIRST PARENTS FELL FROM THE ESTATE WHEREIN THEY WERE CREATED? A: That sin was eating the forbidden fruit. 'She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also to her husband.' Gen 3:3. Here is implied, 1. That our first parents fell from their estate of innocence. 2. The sin by which they fell, was eating the forbidden fruit. I. Our first parents fell from their glorious state of innocence. God made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions.' Eccl …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Consolations against Impatience in Sickness.
If in thy sickness by extremity of pain thou be driven to impatience, meditate-- 1. That thy sins have deserved the pains of hell; therefore thou mayest with greater patience endure these fatherly corrections. 2. That these are the scourges of thy heavenly Father, and the rod is in his hand. If thou didst suffer with reverence, being a child, the corrections of thy earthly parents, how much rather shouldst thou now subject thyself, being the child of God, to the chastisement of thy heavenly Father, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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