Job’s Integrity in Adversity59

1:13 Now the day60 came when Job’s61 sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 1:14 and a messenger came to Job, saying, “The oxen were plowing62 and the donkeys were grazing beside them, 1:15 and the Sabeans63 swooped down64 and carried them all away, and they killed65 the servants with the sword!66 And I—only I alone67—escaped to tell you!”

1:16 While this one was still speaking,68 another messenger arrived69 and said, “The fire of God70 has fallen from heaven71 and has burned up the sheep and the servants—it has consumed them! And I—only I alone—escaped to tell you!”

1:17 While this one was still speaking another messenger arrived and said, “The Chaldeans72 formed three bands and made a raid73 on the camels and carried them all away, and they killed the servants with the sword!74 And I—only I alone—escaped to tell you!”

1:18 While this one was still speaking another messenger arrived and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 1:19 and suddenly75 a great wind76 swept across77 the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they died! And I—only I alone—escaped to tell you!”

1:20 Then Job got up78 and tore his robe.79 He shaved his head,80 and then he threw himself down with his face to the ground.81 1:21 He said, “Naked82 I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return there.83 The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.84 May the name of the Lord85 be blessed!” 1:22 In all this Job did not sin, nor did he charge God with moral impropriety.86