Job 1:12-2:6

New International Version

¹² The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has^(A) is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”^(B)

Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

¹³ One day when Job’s sons and daughters^(C) were feasting^(D) and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, ¹⁴ a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing^(E) nearby, ¹⁵ and the Sabeans^(F) attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

¹⁶ While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens^(G) and burned up the sheep and the servants,^(H) and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

¹⁷ While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans^(I) formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

¹⁸ While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters^(J) were feasting^(K) and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, ¹⁹ when suddenly a mighty wind^(L) swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead,^(M) and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!^(N)”

²⁰ At this, Job got up and tore his robe^(O) and shaved his head.^(P) Then he fell to the ground in worship^{(Q) 21} and said:

²² In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.^(U)

2 On another day the angels^[b](V) came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them^(W) to present himself before him. ² And the Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”

Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”^(X)

³ Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.^(Y) And he still maintains his integrity,^(Z) though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”^(AA)

⁴ “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has^(AB) for his own life. ⁵ But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones,^(AC) and he will surely curse you to your face.”^(AD)

⁶ The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands;^(AE) but you must spare his life.”^(AF)