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Job 1: The Identity of "The Satan"

09/09/2005 12:59 PM Filed in: Theology | Bible Study
Starting in verse six we are told of a fascinating scene that takes place “before the Lord.” Satan is introduced to us in this section, and there have been varying opinions as to who this character is.
Some believe this speaks of Lucifer himself. Others argue that since the definite article appears before the term (the satan) that it is merely a description of either a position of the heavenly council or a description of what that angel was doing at that time (satan literally means accuser or adversary).

It certainly does not seem that “the satan” being there is in the least bit surprising to God. When he strolls in with the other angels, there is no demand of God as to why he is there. Some, however, have argued that since it is explicitly stated that he came “among them” he could not have belonged to their number (Terrien) or that “it is because he has no right to be there that he alone is asked his business” (Anderson). Others have argued that to be “among” usually meant that you were part of the group in question (Clines); that Lucifer himself could have been a tempter in the royal court of God at this point, and therefore still a part of the heavenly host (Utley).

My personal opinion on the matter is that there is simply not enough information given by the author of Job on this point in order for us to have undeniable proof of “the satan’s” position or affiliation. However, we are given clues as to the ethics and morality of this character, and that is where I believe the biggest hint to his identity is.

We know “the satan’s” intentions: shortly after being introduced, we are told of his attempt to discredit Job and dishonor God. Though we will eventually look at his assertions in closer detail, the very fact that he turns against God and accuses Him of having petty relationships with humans based solely on material possessions seems to reveal his character to us. In my opinion, this could not have been a loyal servant in the court of Yahweh. He was not carrying out the will of the Father, but rather attempting to thwart it. Because of this fact, I do not feel it is a stretch to say that this “satan” is quite likely Lucifer himself.

Throughout the narrative, we see him doing evil things to Job; things that go directly against what Jesus teaches us about the character and the nature of God. If this angel is commissioned by God to carry these acts out, rather than allowed by God in order to defeat the accusations of the great “accuser”, it is the same as if God were doing it Himself. Satan, then, must be an enemy of the divine purpose, for his accusations do nothing to further the kingdom, but rather seek to destroy it.

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