Things seemed to be rather normal for Job and his family.
His children were having a good time at the oldest son's house that day.
And then it happened.
A messenger came to Job. A messenger with very bad news. Some people from out of town had attacked, stealing his oxen and donkeys from their grazing grounds, and killing all of the servants in sight.
While the first messenger was still explaining what had happened, a second messenger came and told Job of another terrible disaster. His sheep and many of his servants had died in a huge fire.
Before this catastraphe could even sink in, yet another messenger came and told Job that the Chaldeans had attacked Job's land, stealing his camels and killing many of his servants.
While this third messenger was still speaking, a final one came to bring the very worst news of all. Job's children had been drinking wine at the oldest son's house when a tornado struck, leveling the house and killing them all.
At the word of this final tragedy, Job in anguish tore his clothing. He took the news of his children's death very hard. In mourning their deaths, he shaved his head and prayed to God saying,
"I had nothing when I was born into this world,
and I will take nothing out of it with me when it is my time to leave this world.
The LORD gives and the LORD takes away.
May the name of the LORD be praised."
Throughout all of this, Job never sinned by claiming that God had done wrong in any way.
Next Chapter - things get worse!
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