Job 1:12 | NET2full | STEP | So the Lord said to Satan , “ All right then , everything he has is in your power . Only do not extend your hand against the man himself!” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord .

‏ Job 1:12

12 So the Lord said to Satan, “All right then, ^{▼▼tn The particle הִנֵּה (hinneh, “behold”) introduces a foundational clause upon which the following volitional clause is based.} everything he has is ^{▼▼tn The versions add a verb here: “delivered to” or “abandoned to” the hand of Satan.} in your power. ^{▼▼tn Heb “in your hand.” The idiom means that it is now Satan’s to do with as he pleases.} Only do not extend your hand against the man himself!” ^{▼▼tn The Hebrew word order emphatically holds out Job’s person as the exception: “only upon him do not stretch forth your hand.”} So Satan went out ^{▼▼tn The Targum to Job adds “with permission” to show that he was granted leave from God’s presence.} from the presence of the Lord. ^{▼▼sn So Satan, having received his permission to test Job’s sincerity, goes out from the Lord’s presence. But Satan is bound by the will of the Most High not to touch Job himself. The sentence gives the impression that Satan’s departure is with a certain eagerness and confidence.}

Job’s Integrity in Adversity ^{▼▼sn The series of catastrophes and the piety of Job is displayed now in comprehensive terms. Everything that can go wrong goes wrong, and yet Job, the pious servant of Yahweh, continues to worship him in the midst of the rubble. This section, and the next, will lay the foundation for the great dialogues in the book.}