Satan was introduced to test Job, and then Job’s suffering is justified by the Lord’s omnipotence, not omniscience or omnipresence. This is the argument laid out in the Bible as to why one should fear God. Did Job have to curse God for Satan to make his point?
Satan Allowed to Test Job
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.
7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.”
8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”
9 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason?
10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.”
12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
42 Job replied to the Lord:
2 “I know that you can do anything and nothing that you plan is impossible.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this that darkens counsel without knowledge?’ Well now, I have talked about what I don’t understand— awesome things beyond me that I don’t know.
4 Listen now, and I will speak for myself; I’ll interrogate you and then inform me.
5 I’ve heard you with my ears; and now I’ve seen you with my eyes.
6 As a result, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
Satan was introduced to test Job, and then Job’s suffering is justified by the Lord’s omnipotence, not omniscience or omnipresence. This is the argument laid out in the Bible as to why one should fear God. Did Job have to curse God for Satan to make his point?
Satan Allowed to Test Job
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” 8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
42 Job replied to the Lord:
2 “I know that you can do anything and nothing that you plan is impossible. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that darkens counsel without knowledge?’ Well now, I have talked about what I don’t understand— awesome things beyond me that I don’t know. 4 Listen now, and I will speak for myself; I’ll interrogate you and then inform me. 5 I’ve heard you with my ears; and now I’ve seen you with my eyes. 6 As a result, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”