Yahweh, the Devil, and Job

[Dionysius]

In Job 1:8 after God noticing satan's apparent idleness asked him if he had considered his servant Job, delineating his noteworthy attributes. Satan goes on to insinuate that he has noticed Job but if were not for the hedge of protection that God had placed about him he likely would have already set upon him. So God does the unthinkable, he removes his protection from Job allowing satan to have at him.

I'm gonna have to go ahead and disagree with your conclusion. As you note yourself, God praises Job, while Satan makes charges against him. God removes the hedge about him, but it's Satan who attacks. Satan is the antagonist.

Of course you're gonna have to disagree because your theological model can't contend with the facts of the Book.


To reiterate, make sure you comprehend this very important point: God acts first by removing his protection from Job? Why would God, pray tell do such a thing? So that Satan could attack him.


Ergo, God put forth his hand to harm Job intentionally. There is no way you or any other apologist can worm their way around this textual fact. Please note: it was not Satan's idea to persecute poor old Job! God brought up the subject!