Why?: A Study Through JobSample

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, ‘From where do you come?’ So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.’”—Job 1:6–7 (NKJV)

This is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating passages in the Bible! When you pull back and look at God’s Word from beginning to end, you realize that there isn’t a lot of information about the happenings between God and Satan. For the most part, the Bible focuses on God’s interaction with His people here on earth. But this is an exception!

We are given a glimpse into the very Throne Room of God as He sits and listens to the accounts of the “sons of God.” The term here for “sons of God” is referring to angels as they presumably report to God about their earthly missions (Hebrews 1:14).

Now notice who also comes in among them . . . Satan. This is interesting because we know Satan was cast out of heaven and down to earth after he exalted himself in God’s presence (Luke 10:18). But evidently, Satan was given permission to enter heaven and appear before God in this instance. As we will see over the course of the next several days, God will have a specific purpose for allowing this. 

The next thing that happens is extremely important; God asks Satan a question: “From where do you come?” Now, as we know, whenever God asks a question of anyone (including Satan), He isn’t seeking information that He doesn’t already have. He already knows all things. The question is actually intended to initiate something, to get Satan to start down a particular path. And he says, “From going to and fro on the earth” (more on that tomorrow). 

Here is what we need to see in all of this: God is in complete control even when it comes to Satan, himself. The Lord already knows what the adversary is going to do and say, but He’s steering the enemy in the direction He desires, knowing the outcome will eventually benefit His people. 

Be encouraged by the following fact: God is in complete control of all things at all times . . . and He will even use your enemy’s efforts against you to fulfill His good purpose for your life. Just trust that God is always working all things together for your good. 

DIG: What makes this passage so interesting?

DISCOVER: What do we see God exercising in His line of questioning? How can this act as an encouragement for your life?

DO: In your prayer time today, thank the Lord for always being in control and for always working for your good, even in the enemy’s efforts to harm you.