Job 1:21

Return thither. The language here must not be forced. It is poetry, not prose. It is simply a poetic way of saying that man leaves this world as naked and helpless as he entered it. Job was not here speaking in the technical language of theology or metaphysics or physiology.

The Lord gave. This statement has become the classic expression of Christian resignation. Ever since the Fall, Satan has maligned God’s character. Worse still, he has sought to make it appear that the evil deeds he has done should be charged against God (see GC 534).

Blessed. Job’s conduct was a dramatic denial of Satan’s insinuation (v. 11). To the question, “Does Job fear God without regard for selfish gain?” Job gave the answer “Yes.” Satan was perplexed. He had seen many who would have cursed God under similar circumstances — but Job’s attitude was inexplicable.

Fire raged over the parish of a German pastor, laying in ruins his home and the homes of his people. Then death claimed his wife and children. Disease laid him prostrate; then blindness overtook him. Under this avalanche of trouble, he dictated these words:

“My Jesus, as Thou wilt;

O may Thy will be mine!

Into Thy hand of love

I would my all resign.”

Return thither. The language here must not be forced. It is poetry, not prose. It is simply a poetic way of saying that man leaves this world as naked and helpless as he entered it. Job was not here speaking in the technical language of theology or metaphysics or physiology.

The Lord gave. This statement has become the classic expression of Christian resignation. Ever since the Fall, Satan has maligned God’s character. Worse still, he has sought to make it appear that the evil deeds he has done should be charged against God (see GC 534).

Blessed. Job’s conduct was a dramatic denial of Satan’s insinuation (v. 11). To the question, “Does Job fear God without regard for selfish gain?” Job gave the answer “Yes.” Satan was perplexed. He had seen many who would have cursed God under similar circumstances — but Job’s attitude was inexplicable.

Fire raged over the parish of a German pastor, laying in ruins his home and the homes of his people. Then death claimed his wife and children. Disease laid him prostrate; then blindness overtook him. Under this avalanche of trouble, he dictated these words:

“My Jesus, as Thou wilt;

O may Thy will be mine!

Into Thy hand of love

I would my all resign.”