Why?: A Study Through JobSample

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing?’”—Job 1:9 (NKJV) 

Whenever we encounter Satan in the Bible, we need to press pause and recognize something. The word Satan does indeed refer to the supernatural being who is the arch enemy of all that’s good and of God. But it’s not so much a name as it is a title.

In the original Hebrew language, Satan is often used as a noun. As a noun, he is the being we’ve just described above. But the noun form of Satan is derived from the verb form of the same word, and the verb form of satan means to attack, to accuse, or to be an adversary toward. 

Satan’s behavior is so consistent that it aptly defines who he is. He is always on the attack, always accusing, always adversarial towards God and His people. He is always “satan-ing,” which is why we identify him by that very word.

This consistency reveals itself as Satan starts to attack Job’s character before God. Remember, God had just singled Job out as an example of righteousness. But the attacker, the accuser, the adversary can’t leave it at that. He’s going to do what he always does, which is exactly what he does: “Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face” (Job 1:10-11 NKJV)!

This is Satan being Satan, and it shouldn’t surprise us either in Job’s life or in our own. But we have an advantage when it comes to our ongoing battle with Satan . . . we know his motive! He’s always going to be on the attack, and we are not immune from his attacks any more than Job was. 

So, as we walk through life, we can expect to be attacked and accused by him. Anticipating this prepares and protects us as it happens. We aren’t taken off guard by our enemy, because we know what he’s all about.

Be alert and aware. Remember, you’re the object of attack and accusation. Don’t be surprised when it happens, and it will happen, because Satan will always live up to his name. But so will our El Elyon . . . our God who defends us! 

DIG: What does the name “Satan” literally represent? 

DISCOVER: What does this teach us about Satan?

DO: Reflect on your responsibility as a believer, knowing that Satan is your adversary and accuser.