The Adversary’s Attack on Job’s Possessions

13 And then there was one day when[fn] his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their firstborn brother’s house. 14 And a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing, and the female donkeys were feeding beside them.[fn] 15 Then[fn] the Sabeans attacked,[fn] and they took them, and they slew the servants by the edge of the sword.[fn] But[fn] I escaped, even I alone, to tell you.”

16 While this one was still speaking, another[fn] came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens, and it blazed up against the sheep and goats and against the servants, and it consumed them. But I escaped, even I alone, to tell you.”

17 While this one was still speaking, another[fn] came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three divisions, and they made a raid on the camels, and they carried them away, and they struck your servants by the edge of the sword,[fn] but I escaped, even I alone, to tell you.”

18 At the time[fn] this one was speaking, another[fn] came and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their firstborn brother’s house. 19 And behold,[fn] a great wind came from across the desert, and it struck the four corners of the house so that[fn] it fell upon the young people, and they died. But I escaped, even I alone, to tell you.”

20 Then[fn] Job arose and tore his outer garment[fn] and shaved his head; then[fn] he fell upon the ground and he worshiped. 21 Then[fn] he said, “Naked I came out from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return there. Yahweh gives, and Yahweh takes. Let Yahweh’s name be blessed.” 22 In all this, Job did not sin and did not charge God with wrongdoing.[fn]