Why would God allow Satan to torture Job?

[Michie]

Q: Why would God allow Satan to torture and torment Job when he knew Job was a wonderful man and if God is, indeed, omniscient? (New Jersey)

A: First of all, it’s not known whether Job was a literal historical figure. Many Scripture scholars believe that the Book of Job in the Old Testament is essentially a sort of fable — that is, it was not necessarily recording events that actually occurred, but rather telling us a story to illustrate some deeper truth.

This would make the book of Job similar to the parables that Jesus was so fond of telling later on in the New Testament (e.g., we don’t need to believe that the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son were real people in order to understand and appreciate the point Jesus was trying to make).

On that literary level, the entire Book of Job is a consideration of the meaning of suffering in the life of the faithful, and in that sense it’s actually asking the same question you are!

For those unfamiliar with the story of Job, his namesake book opens by introducing Job as an “upright man” who “feared God and avoided evil” (Job 1:1). Job was also very prosperous: “Seven sons and three daughters were born to him; and he had seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred she-donkeys, and a very large household, so that he was greater than anyone in the East” (Job 1:2-3).

Continued below.

Why would God allow Satan to torture Job?

The Book of Job doesn't give us easy answers, but it does give us glimpses of the purpose of suffering and the nature of our loving God.

www.oursundayvisitor.com

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Is this the Catholic position on that subject?

 

[Michie]

Is this the Catholic position on that subject?

Pretty much. It is a Catholic position on the topic. For a more detailed explanation, go here: CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Job

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Pretty much. It is a Catholic position on the topic. For a more detailed explanation, go here: CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Job

Okay thanks.

So any part of scripture that illustrates God asking a demon to afflict someone is just an allegory then in Catholic theology. Good to know.

Thank you.

 

[Michie]

Okay thanks.

So any part of scripture that illustrates God asking a demon to afflict someone is just an allegory then in Catholic theology. Good to know.

Thank you.

It’s kind of like a parable. Usually put with the writings on wisdom is my understanding.

 

[Michie]

Here you go. A little more to the point.

The book of Job is included among the wisdom writings precisely because it teaches man that pain and suffering are a mystery of divine wisdom. According to the sacred writer, the truly wise man should realize that “the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil, that is understanding” (28:28).

Job, a foreigner, not descended from Abraham, is the central character of the book that bears his name. A wise and wealthy man, a native of the Idumean city of Uz, located between Edom and northern Arabia, a region famed for its wise men (cf. Jer 49:7), he believes in the true God, whom he adores and to whom he offers sacrifice, even in the midst of severe suffering.

We do not know for certain who wrote the book of Job; the text suggests that it is by an educated Jew, familiar with the prophets and the teachings of the wise men of Israel. He probably lived in Palestine, although he did visit and even lived for a while abroad, mainly in Egypt.

Continued below.

The Book of Job

The book of Job is included among the wisdom writings precisely because it teaches man that pain and suffering are a mystery of divine wisdom. Read more.

www.catholic.com

 

[pastorwaris]

A: First of all, it’s not known whether Job was a literal historical figure. Many Scripture scholars believe that the Book of Job in the Old Testament is essentially a sort of fable — that is, it was not necessarily recording events that actually occurred, but rather telling us a story to illustrate some deeper truth.

This would make the book of Job similar to the parables that Jesus was so fond of telling later on in the New Testament (e.g., we don’t need to believe that the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son were real people in order to understand and appreciate the point Jesus was trying to make).

On that literary level, the entire Book of Job is a consideration of the meaning of suffering in the life of the faithful, and in that sense it’s actually asking the same question you are!

For those unfamiliar with the story of Job, his namesake book opens by introducing Job as an “upright man” who “feared God and avoided evil” (Job 1:1). Job was also very prosperous: “Seven sons and three daughters were born to him; and he had seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred she-donkeys, and a very large household, so that he was greater than anyone in the East” (Job 1:2-3).

Continued below.

Why would God allow Satan to torture Job?

The Book of Job doesn't give us easy answers, but it does give us glimpses of the purpose of suffering and the nature of our loving God.

www.oursundayvisitor.com

Dear beloved in Christ,

Thank you for such a thoughtful and reflective comment. I appreciate the care you've taken in laying out your thoughts it shows a genuine desire to understand the Word of God more deeply, especially on such a profound question: “Why would God allow Satan to torture Job?”

Now, regarding the historicity of Job yes, some scholars do interpret the Book of Job as poetic or allegorical literature, much like a parable. However, it’s important to note that the Bible itself refers to Job as a real person, not merely a character in a story. For example, in Ezekiel 14:14, the Lord speaks of “Noah, Daniel, and Job” as righteous men placing Job in the company of clearly historical figures. Also, James 5:11 in the New Testament says, “You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” This suggests Job’s experience was not just symbolic but also instructive and real.

That being said, I also agree with you in this: whether or not Job is taken literally, the spiritual truth of the book remains powerful and undeniable. Just as Jesus' parables while not historical narratives revealed deep divine wisdom, the story of Job carries enduring truths about faith, suffering, and God's sovereignty.

Your insight is right on point: the Book of Job does not offer an "easy" answer to suffering, but rather invites us into a sacred mystery. Job’s trials pull back the curtain and let us glimpse the heavenly courtroom, where God is not absent but actively engaged. And even though Job doesn’t get a neat explanation for his suffering, he encounters the living God and that, more than any answer, becomes his restoration.

It’s also crucial to remember that Job was not punished. He was tested, and ultimately honored. Satan sought to destroy him, but God set boundaries, proving that even in suffering, God remains sovereign. The lesson isn’t about why bad things happen, but about how faith can remain unshaken even when we don’t understand the “why.”

So, whether we view Job as a literal man or a literary symbol, the message is the same: God is just, God is loving, and our suffering is never wasted when we trust Him. And the ending of the book reminds us that restoration and double blessings await those who endure with faith (Job 42:10).

Thank you again for sparking such a meaningful discussion. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us into all truth and comfort all who suffer, just as He did with Job.

In Christ’s grace and peace,
Pastor Waris Arif