Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. Again there was a day ] How long this was after the former trial, we know not: probably one whole year, when, as the Targum intimates, it was the time of the annual atonement; which, if so, must have been at least one whole year after the former; and during which period the patience and resignation of Job had sufficient scope to show themselves.
This appearance of the sons of God and Satan is to be understood metaphorically-there could be nothing real in it- but it is intended to instruct us in the doctrine of the existence of good and evil spirits; that Satan pursues man with implacable enmity, and that he can do no man hurt, either in his person or property, but by the especial permission of God; and that God gives him permission only when he purposes to overrule it for the greater manifestation of his own glory, and the greater good of his tempted followers.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - How well is it for us, that neither men nor devils are to be ou judges! but all our judgment comes from the Lord, who never errs. Jo holds fast his integrity still, as his weapon. God speaks with pleasur of the power of his own grace. Self-love and self-preservation ar powerful in the hearts of men. But Satan accuses Job, representing his as wholly selfish, and minding nothing but his own ease and safety Thus are the ways and people of God often falsely blamed by the devi and his agents. Permission is granted to Satan to make trial, but with a limit. If God did not chain up the roaring lion, how soon would he devour us! Job, thus slandered by Satan, was a type of Christ, the first prophecy of whom was, that Satan should bruise his heel, and be foiled.
Original Hebrew ויהי1961 היום3117 ויבאו935 בני1121 האלהים430 להתיצב3320 על5921 יהוה3068 ויבוא935 גם1571 השׂטן7854 בתכם8432 להתיצב3320 על5921 יהוה׃3068
