Chapter 3: The Day Everything Was Lost

It was a day like any other. Job's sons and daughters were feasting at the oldest brother's house. The servants were working in the fields. The flocks grazed under an open sky.

Then the first messenger came running.

FIRST MESSENGER“The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby — and the Sabeans attacked! They took all the animals and killed the servants with the sword. I am the only one who escaped to tell you!”— Job 1:14-15

While he was still speaking, a second messenger arrived.

SECOND MESSENGER“Fire fell from heaven! It burned up the sheep and the servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you!”— Job 1:16

While he was still speaking, a third messenger arrived.

THIRD MESSENGER“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on the camels. They took them all and put the servants to the sword. I am the only one who escaped to tell you!”— Job 1:17

While he was still speaking, a fourth messenger arrived.

FOURTH MESSENGER“Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking at their oldest brother's house. A mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them. They are all dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”— Job 1:18-19

Job's world collapsed with that house. Job tore his robe. He shaved his head - the sign of deepest mourning. He fell to the ground and worshiped.

JOB“I came naked from my mother's womb, and naked I will return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”— Job 1:21

In all this, Job did not sin. He did not blame God for anything.