Job 1:20-22 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

In the preceding section the narrative surged forward, depicting the unbridled rage of the Satan. Here on the contrary we have a beautiful picture of complete rest and resignation, and are taught how a truly pious man bears trials. Job rises: as a man of rank he had received the messengers sitting. He rends his mantle and shaves his head, making himself like a beggar or a slave in token of his humiliation. Then he abases himself to the ground in silent prayer, acknowledging his submission to the decree of God.

Job's words (Job 1:21) are not to God, but to man. This sentence and the related Job 2:10 may well be described as the creed of all Oriental piety (Duhm). Observe, however, that in the poem the attitude of resignation is not that of Job, but of the friends, especially Eliphaz (Job 5:8; Job 22:21). Note also that Job does exactly the opposite of what the Satan expected he does not curse, but blesses God. The lesson of this chapter is that, as suffering is not always the result of sin, so in the case of a pious man it is not even a temptation to sin.

Job 1:22. The exact meaning of the second clause is uncertain perhaps we should follow Syr, and translate offered God no irreverence.

Job 1:20-22

20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle,j and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

22 In all this Job sinned not, nor chargedk God foolishly.