Biblical Figures – Job the Righteous

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that Job lived between the times of Noah and Abraham. He was a perfect and upright man who feared God and shunned evil, the richest man in the East. Despite his wealth, he was godly, proving that riches do not mean distance from God.

The beginning of the trial and Satan’s limited power

Satan envied Job and claimed before God that his righteousness was because of his prosperity. God allowed Satan to test him in his possessions, children, and health, but not to touch his life. The Pope emphasizes that God limits Satan’s power—he acts only with God’s permission.

Job’s attitude in the trial

When Job lost everything, he said: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” He did not blaspheme God despite deep sorrow, but accepted His will faithfully, believing that God controls all things.

The purpose of the trial

God allowed Job’s trial not because he sinned, but to purify him from self-righteousness. Job was righteous and knew he was righteous, so God wanted to free him from the pride of his own perfection.

Job’s total stripping

Job lost everything: his children, wealth, health, and people’s respect. Even his wife told him, “Curse God and die,” but he refused and said: “Shall we accept good from God and not accept adversity?”

Job’s dialogue with his friends

His three friends — Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar — came to comfort him but accused him of sin, speaking harshly. Job defended himself and boasted of his righteousness until God, through the young Elihu, revealed his pride.

God’s intervention and Job’s correction

God spoke to Job from the storm, showing His greatness and wisdom. Job felt his smallness and said: “I know that You can do all things… therefore I repent in dust and ashes.” The trial ended because its purpose — humility — was achieved.

The conclusion and God’s blessings

After Job’s repentance, God ordered his friends to seek Job’s intercession for them, restored his fortunes, gave him twice as much as before, blessed him with new children, and he lived 140 more years in peace and fullness of days.

Spiritual message

The deep spiritual lesson is that God allows trials not as punishment but for purification and growth. A believer must not boast of his righteousness but remain humble before God, recognizing that all he has comes from divine grace.

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