(Job 1:6–22 | Chapter II of Jessie Penn-Lewis’s *The Story of Job*)
“And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man…” —Job 1:8 (KJV)
The scene shifts. The ash heap is not the true origin of Job’s suffering. It begins not in Uz—but in heaven.
Jessie Penn-Lewis draws back the curtain to reveal a cosmic courtroom:
– The sons of God (angelic beings) present themselves before the Lord.
– And Satan comes too—not by invasion, but by allowance.
– Then God Himself points out Job.
“Hast thou considered my servant Job?”
Heaven is not hiding Job. It is showcasing him. God trusts Job with this battle. And in a stunning turn, the trial begins not because Job is weak, but because Job is ready.
“Jehovah here declares before His assembled council that all these trials were sent upon Job ‘without cause.’” —Jessie Penn-Lewis
Why Did Satan Target Job?
Because Job was different. He was the most visible, faithful man on earth—a city on a hill. Penn-Lewis writes:
“His fall would be the casting down of many.”
The enemy accused Job’s motives:
– Does he fear God for nothing?
– Isn’t he only righteous because You bless him?
Satan insists: strip away the blessings, and Job will curse God to His face.
This is not just slander of Job. It’s slander of God’s worth. Satan argues: You are not lovable unless You give gifts.
God accepts the challenge—not because He doubts Job, but because He knows Job.
The Hedge and the Test
Satan admits he tried to get to Job before but couldn’t:
“Hast not thou made an hedge about him… on every side?” —Job 1:10
That hedge is real. And it surrounds every faithful child of God. But now, by divine permission, Satan is allowed to touch Job’s possessions—but not his person.
And so, Satan strikes:
– Sabeans steal oxen and slay servants.
– Fire from heaven consumes sheep.
– Chaldeans raid camels.
– Then—his children die in a whirlwind.
In one day, Job loses everything. And yet:
“Then Job arose… and worshipped.” —Job 1:20
Penn-Lewis’s Insight
“How little Job knew of the cloud of witnesses looking on!”
He did not know he was being watched from heaven.
He did not know he was being accused in the court of eternity.
He simply worshiped.
Job did not curse God. He did not complain.
He grieved. But in that grief, he blessed the Name of the Lord.
Overcomer’s Checkpoint
1. Have I considered that my suffering may have nothing to do with failure—but trust?
2. Would I still worship if everything precious was removed?
3. Do I believe God’s hedge is real—even if He temporarily lifts it?
“Instead of rebellion Job had worshipped. The sudden blows had found him stayed upon God.” —Jessie Penn-Lewis