Story of Job, First Messenger

First Messenger, 3rd Paragraph

At the close of each day, it was the custom of the younger members of this happy family to feast at one of their homes. Job, not wishing to impose the gravity of his years upon the festivities, remained at his own home in peace. Job feared that his children, in their worldly pleasures and untold wealth, might forget or turn away from God. By regular hours of worship, he taught his family to share in his righteousness.

First Messenger, 4th Paragraph

In the Heavenly Council, God commended the piety of his faithful servant Job. The Adversary, whose mission was to test the faith of the people of the earth, accuses Job of being pious because God had blessed him with great wealth and extensive estates and possessions. He declared that if God should take away Job's riches, his piety and reverence would turn to hate. God permitted the Adversary to try Job's faith, but warned him not to do bodily harm to Job. So the adversary set forth on his mission.

First Messenger, 1st Paragraph

On the edge of an Arabian desert, there lived centuries ago a man whose name was Job. He was a pious and upright man who loved and feared God and turned away from all evil. God, in His goodness, blessed this man with great riches.

First Messenger, 2nd Paragraph

With his wife, seven sons and three daughters, he lived in the valley in peace, happiness and plenty. His vast estates stretched many miles over the plains and into the hills where grazed his countless flocks and sheep. Dotting the landscape in the lowlands, and shaded by giant palms, were the homes of his sons.