Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD.
Job 1:6 (ESV)
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.
We don't know the time frame between chapters one and two, but the scene in Job 1:6-8 is very similar to the scene in Job 2:1-3. In both scenes there is a time that the sons of God present themselves to God. We are not told who these sons of God are. We only know that Satan was among them. This may imply that Satan was one of these sons of God, or that he was simply a separate entity, simply representing himself. We read this same phrase (sons of God) back in Genesis:
Genesis 6:2 (ESV)
the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose.
And, also, later in the book of Job:
Job 38:4-7 (ESV)
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
We are not sure if the sons of God phrase in Genesis is the same as in Job, however. If you believe that the sons of God phrase in Job refers to angels, than the same phrase in Genesis 6 can’t be angles, because those creatures are said to marry the daughters of men. The challenge with that thought is that Jesus said that angels do not marry:
Matthew 22:30 (ESV)
For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
So the phrase in Genesis is different than here in Job. The Job 38 passages seems to indicate that the sons of God are angels, as it parallels the morning stars, that sang tougher. That phrase is definitely is referring to angels. That means these sons of God, in our above passages, must be created angels that roam the earth for God and do His bidding. This would lead them to be angels who serve Him. Satan was a fallen angel, therefore it makes sense that he, too, would show up for this heavenly angelic conclave.
A key truth in these verses is that God holds counsel with these angels and God directs them as He chooses over the affairs of mankind. This is comforting to know. God directs part of His creation to care for us, the other part of His creation. Yes, Satan will use this time to bring a challenge to God, about Job. God uses this as a time of discipline in Job’s life to demonstrate to him His power and might and care. Satan meant it for bad. God, as we read in the end, meant it for good. But God directed and controlled all the moving parts, even when Satan shows up to the meeting with evil intent. God is using us and directing us for His purpose, even when He holds a meeting in heaven to direct His angels who are regarding us. God is still in charge, even when the moment in our lives is Job-like.
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