Job 1

There was a man in the land of Uz named Job. That man was blameless and upright; he feared God and turned away from evil. Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 pairs of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a great many servants. That man was the greatest of all the people of the East. His sons would hold feasts in their houses, each on his own day, and they would send for their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When the cycle of feasting days was over, Job would send for them and consecrate them. He would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings for all of them, one for each, for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job's regular practice. One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming across the earth and walking about on it.” The LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil.” Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a hedge around him, his household, and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock have spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand now and touch all that he has. Surely he will curse you to your face!” The LORD said to Satan, “All that he has is in your hand. Only do not stretch out your hand against him.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. One day, while Job's sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing, and the female donkeys were grazing beside them, when the Sabeans attacked and took them away. They struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels, and took them away. They struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, when a mighty wind came from beyond the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house. It fell on the young people, and they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing.

Rights and attribution