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Kristen Walker Smith

Did God bargain with Satan? (Your Weekly Scripture Study Starter)

Published 4 days ago • 2 min read

Happy Sunday, friend!

This week’s reading has something SUPER confusing going on.

It seems like God is bargaining (or even betting) with Satan.

Is that real??

Make sure to check out this week’s FAQ section to find out!

Let’s dive into this week's Come Follow Me reading: Job 1–3; 12–14; 19; 21–24; 38–40; 42!

​Watch this week's video here!​

5 Key Events

  1. JOB LIVES RIGHTEOUSLY: Job is a wealthy and righteous man who fears God and loves his family (Job 1).
  2. JOB’S LIFE TURNED UPSIDE DOWN: After Satan challenges Job’s faithfulness, Job loses his wealth, his children, and eventually his health, but still refuses to curse God (Job 1–2).
  3. DEBATING FRIENDS: Three friends come to comfort Job, but instead argue that his suffering must be punishment for sin. Job insists he has done nothing to deserve it (Job 3; 12–14; 21–24).
  4. JOB’S TESTIMONY: In the middle of his suffering, Job shares a powerful testimony that God lives and that justice will ultimately come (Job 19).
  5. JOB RESTORED: The Lord speaks to Job, reminding him of God’s infinite wisdom and power. Job humbly accepts the Lord’s will, and his fortunes are eventually restored (Job 38–42).

3 Key Scriptures

  1. ​Job 13:15​
  2. ​Job 19:25-26​
  3. ​Job 42:12​

Dive into one or more of these verses all week long with my Verse Mapping Study Guide!

Questions your kids (or church class) might ask: Did God really make a bet with Satan about Job?

At the beginning of the book of Job, Satan challenges God by claiming that Job is only faithful because his life is so prosperous. God then allows Satan to test Job by taking away his blessings.

Some readers interpret this passage literally as a conversation between God and Satan. However, the Old Testament seminary manual states that this is used as a poetic literary device. The manual states: “. . . the Lord does not really make agreements with Satan. The Lord has power over Satan and has no need to bargain with him.”

So no, God did not literally make a bargain or bet with Satan.

Sources

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-seminary-student-material-2018/job/lesson-111?lang=eng

This week's conversation starter:

Read Job 19:25-26 together and then ask your teen: If today were the day you stood before God, what is one thing you think He’d congratulate you on? What do you think He’s proud of you for doing or becoming?

Want to go deeper in your personal study this week? My Verse Mapping for Beginners PDF walks you through exactly how. Get it here!​

Missed previous weeks? You can check out past Weekly Scripture Starter emails here!

You are awesome!

P.S. In case you missed it, the PERFECT baptism gift is almost here! Get on the waitlist for my first children’s book, Simon Spots the Spirit. ​

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Kristen Walker Smith

Start Here in the Scriptures

Your weekly Come, Follow Me reading explained in plain English and just two minutes.

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