First ReadingJob 1:6-22
From the Book of Job
6Now on the daywhen God’s sons came to present themselves before the Lord,Satan also came among them.7The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”
Then Satan answered the Lord,and said, “From going back and forth on the earth,and from walking up and down in it.”
8The Lord said to Satan,“Have you considered my servant, Job?For there is no one like him on the earth,a blameless and an upright man,one who fears God,and turns away from evil.”
9Then Satan answered the Lord,and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?10Haven’t you made a hedge around him,and around his house,and around all that he has, on every side?You have blessed the work of his hands,and his substance is increased in the land.11But stretch out your hand now,and touch all that he has,and he will renounce you to your face.”
12The Lord said to Satan,“Behold, all that he has is in your power.Only on himself don’t stretch out your hand.”
So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.13It fell on a day when his sonsand his daughters were eatingand drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,14that a messenger came to Job,and said, “The oxen were plowing,and the donkeys feeding beside them,15and the Sabeans attacked, and took them away.Yes, they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword,and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
16While he was still speaking,another also came and said,“The fire of God has fallen from the sky,and has burned up the sheep and the servants,and consumed them,and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
17While he was still speaking,another also came and said,“The Chaldeans made three bands,and swept down on the camels,and have taken them away,yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword;and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
18While he was still speaking,there came also another,and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eatingand drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,19and behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness,and struck the four corners of the house,and it fell on the young men,and they are dead.I alone have escaped to tell you.”
20Then Job arose, and tore his robe,and shaved his head,and fell down on the ground, and worshiped.21He said, “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb,and naked will I return there.The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.Blessed be the Lord’s name.”22In all this, Job didn’t sin,nor charge God with wrongdoing.