Job 2:7-8
So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Hebrew word for "sores" here isn't just plural; it conveys the idea of one massive, intensely painful eruption. This emphasizes that Job wasn't just afflicted with many individual boils, but was consumed by a single, all-encompassing, agonizing inflammation. This devastating condition was so pervasive that it left no part of his body untouched, a testament to the complete devastation Satan intended.
Having gained permission to afflict Job further, Satan immediately strikes him with intensely painful, widespread sores covering his entire body. This devastating attack, from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head, is Satan's attempt to break Job's spirit and turn him against God.
Ever feel like the devil is out to get you? This verse shows us the ultimate source of his power, and it might surprise you.
The narrative here is crystal clear: Satan doesn't operate independently. He 'went out from the presence of the LORD.' This isn't just a physical departure; it signifies that he was acting under God's overarching permission and sovereignty. Even in the most horrific suffering, God remains in control. Satan's actions, while devastating, were a permitted means by which God allowed Job to be tested.
A Crucial Distinction:
This isn't just a minor skin rash. The description of Job's suffering is visceral and meant to evoke deep empathy.
The text describes Job being struck with 'loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.' The Hebrew word suggests a severe, painful inflammation, possibly a form of leprosy or a similar intensely distressing skin disease.
A Complete Devastation:
This passage describes a curse of boils and scabs, similar to Job's affliction, showing a pattern of divine judgment for disobedience that Satan may have drawn upon.
Luke 13:11This verse mentions a woman who had been in bondage to a spirit for eighteen years, illustrating how Satan can afflict individuals with physical ailments, much like Job's prolonged suffering.
Exodus 9:9This verse describes boils and blains that struck the Egyptians during the plague, highlighting a similar type of painful affliction inflicted by God, with Satan likely acting as the agent in Job's case.
2 Corinthians 12:7Paul's 'thorn in the flesh,' which he pleaded to have removed and was told God's grace was sufficient, is often interpreted as a severe physical affliction possibly allowed by God and potentially related to Satan's attacks.
bensonJob 2:7: "So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown."
Job 2:7 . Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord — Or, from the Lord, απο του Κυριου , as the LXX. render it. Compare Acts 5:41 , They departed, απο προσωπου του συνεδριου , from the presence of the council that is, from the council. And smote Job with sore biles — Ελκει πονηρω , with a foul ulcer, or evil inflammation, say the Seventy; breaking out and s…
pulpitJob 2:7: "So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown."
Verse 7.- So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord (comp. Job 1:12, ad fin.). Satan, we may be sure, is always anxious to quit the immediate presence o
The Hebrew word for "sores" here isn't just plural; it conveys the idea of one massive, intensely painful eruption. This emphasizes that Job wasn't just afflicted with many individual boils, but was consumed by a single, all-encompassing, agonizing inflammation. This devastating condition was so pervasive that it left no part of his body untouched, a testament to the complete devastation Satan intended.
Having gained permission to afflict Job further, Satan immediately strikes him with intensely painful, widespread sores covering his entire body. This devastating attack, from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head, is Satan's attempt to break Job's spirit and turn him against God.
Having gained permission to afflict Job further, Satan immediately strikes him with intensely painful, widespread sores covering his entire body. This devastating attack, from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head, is Satan's attempt to break Job's spirit and turn him against God.
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"So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes." — The Hebrew word for "sores" here isn't just plural; it conveys the idea of one massive, intensely painful eruption. This emphasizes that Job wasn't just afflicted with many individual boils, but was…
