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Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 1:12

All that he hath is in thy power - Satan cannot deprive a man even of an ass, a sheep, or a pig, but by especial permission of God. His power and malice are ever bounded, and under control. So Satan went forth - The Targum adds, with authority from the presence of the Lord. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 1:6-12

The fundamental controversy of the poem. I. THE OCCASION OF THE CONTROVERSY . The presence of Satan among the sons of God. 1 . The celestial assembly. 2 . The unexpected visitor. II. THE PARTIES TO THE CONTROVERSY . Jehovah and Satan. 1 . Jehovah. 2 . Satan. III. THE SUBJECT OF THE CONTROVERSY . The disinterested character of piety or religion. 1 . The Divine challenge. "Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 1:6-12

Counsels in heaven concerning ,man's life on earth. I. EVERY MAN 'S LIFE IS AN OBJECT OF INTEREST IN HEAVEN . This is a sublime thought, powerfully suggested by the present passage, and full of comfort for every man who trusts in the goodness of God. "Every man's life a plan of God's" (see the powerful sermon of Dr. Bushnell on this subject). Even of men who do not consciously know God or own his providence, this is true. Their career is controlled by a mysterious... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 1:6-19

The trial of the righteous man. The central subject of this book is the trial of the righteous man. Job is acknowledged of God to be "a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil." Yet he is tried, and tried sorely, and by permission of God. The difficulty to be solved by the history of Job is—How can it come to pass that the righteous suffer? To what end is this permitted? The trial of Job is divided into two parts—the first is briefly recounted, it contains the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 1:8

And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered? literally. Hast thou set thine heart on? equivalent to "Hast thou given thine attention to?" (comp. Isaiah 41:22 ; Haggai 1:5 , Haggai 1:7 ). My servant Job ; i.e. "my true servant, faithful in all that he does" (comp. Hebrews 3:5 ). It is a high honour to any man for God to acknowledge him as his servant (see Joshua 1:2 ; 1 Kings 11:13 , etc.). That there is none like him in the earth ; rather, for there is none like... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 1:8

The righteous man. Righteousness as descriptive of human character illustrated in Job. A few words only used. The Divine description. Highest testimony. Generally "my servant,"—the most honourable distinction. There is no higher calling in life than to serve God. But Job stands in special distinction—he is unequalled amongst men. His is the typical example of righteousness till a Greater than he appears. "There is none like him in the earth." A truly honourable position to be the first man... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 1:9

Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Satan insinuates that Job's motive is purely selfish. He serves God, not for love of God, or for love of goodness, but for what he gets by it. Satan is too shrewd to endeavour, as Job's friends do later, to pick holes in Job's conduct. No; that is exemplary. But the true character of acts is determined by the motive. What is Job's motive? Does he not serve God to gain his protection and blessing? Similarly, in modem times,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 1:9

Doth Job fear God for nought? I. YES ! God ' s servants are not hypocrites . 1 . Those who serve God from mercenary motives do not truly serve him at all ( Isaiah 1:13 ). 2 . Those who serve God sincerely adhere to him when all creature-comforts are withdrawn ( Habakkuk 3:17 ). II. No I God's servants do not go unrewarded. Like Job, they are honoured with: 1. Divine attention ( Psalms 33:18 ). 2 . Divine approbation ( Psalms 147:11 ). 3. Divine... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 1:9

Disinterested piety. Satan's suggestion is obvious enough. Job is religious; but Job is prosperous. Cast down his prosperity, and his religion will come down too like a house of cards. I. TRUE RELIGION BRINGS GREAT REWARDS . AS a matter of fact, Job was making the best of both worlds. While he was fearing and serving God, God was blessing and smiling upon him. 1 . Religion often brings earthly prosperity. It is frequently true that "honesty is the best policy." God... read more

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