Job Loses His Children and Possessions

One day, while Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came and reported to Job:“While the oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby 15 the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants vvv to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

16 

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported:“The fire of God fell from heaven. It burned and consumed the sheep and the servants, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

17 

While he was still speaking, another [messenger] came and reported:“The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels, and took them away. They put the servants vvv to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

18 

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported:“Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

20 

Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, 21 saying:

“ Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

and naked I will return

The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away.

Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

22 

In all this, Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing. 2