Welcome to NachDaily as we begin Iyov, Perek Aleph.

There are essentially 4 parts to this perek: Iyov’s prosperity, how the Satan obtained permission to harm Iyov, the tragedy that struck his home, and his response to it.

The sefer begins with Iyov’s tzidkas and righteousness, opening with the famous words, “Ish haya b’eretz Utz, Iyov shmo. V’haya h’ish hahu tam v’yashar v’yirei Elokim v’yashar virei – There was a man in the land of Utz named Iyov. He was a faultless and upright man; a man who feared God and avoided sin.”

The Meforshim are quick to explain his righteousness. The Alshich notes that it says “Iyov shmo – Iyov was his name,” as opposed to “Shmo Iyov,” His name was Iyov. Placing the name first is an accolade given only to the loftiest of Tzaddikim.

The passuk also says “V’haya h’ish hahu tam v’yashar,” He was a faultless and upright man.”

Rav Shwab explains that some people are born with naturally good tendencies. They don’t have to struggle to be good. This person is called a “tam– whole and complete.” While others need to work very hard to overcome their character flaws, he was born “tam,” but worked on himself even further to become a “yashar.”

Iyov had 7 sons and 3 daughters and was fabulously wealthy. He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 pairs of oxen, 500 donkeys and a tremendous amount of food. Iyov was greater than all the people of the East.

On a daily basis, Iyov’s sons would alternate days having huge feasts in their homes and invited their 3 sisters to join them. At the end of every 7 days, Iyov would wake up early in the morning and have his children each bring a korban oleh, a burnt offering sacrifice. Iyov feared that perhaps his children might have sinned in taking their luxurious lifestyles for granted and becoming resentful towards God.

The stage is now set for the conversation that the Satan had with Hashem. Rashi points out that this conversation took place on Rosh Hashana, the Day of Judgment.

Hashem asks the Satan about his whereabouts to which the Satan responds in verse 7 that he was “roaming the earth.”

V’yomer Hashem el HaSatan, hasamta lib’cha al avdi Iyov? Ki ain kamohu ba’aretz. Ish tam v’yashar y’rei Elokim v’sar mera – Hashem asks the Satan: Did you see Iyov? There is no one like him in the entire land! He is wholesome and upright and is God fearing.

Essentially the Satan answers that of course Iyov is great! He has no challenges in life. Anyone can serve God without difficulties. Let me make him struggle and suffer, then see how good he is! Hashem grants permission for the Satan to test Iyov but with one exception. The Satan is only allowed to control Iyov’s possessions, but not his physical body.

It is an important point to realize that the Satan on his own couldn’t test Iyov. He was granted permission to cause Iyov harm because the Satan is not separate from Hashem. Judaism doesn’t believe in a fallen angel, or that the “devil” has free reign to harm just anyone. It’s only with precise consent from God that he may inflict pain, to express the will of God.

The third part of the perek, from passukim 13 through 19, relate the 4 tests and tragedies with which the Satan tested Iyov. These all happened in one day.

One, all of Iyov’s cattle and donkeys, fifteen hundred animals, were killed by the people of Sheva. Two, a fire came from heaven and killed all his flocks together with the attendants watching them. Three, his 3,000 camels were stolen and their caretakers killed by the people of Casdim. Four, last but certainly not least, while his children were partying at their older brother’s home a wind came, knocked over the house and killed all of them.

The pessukim describe that these events were told to him one after another by messengers who escaped from each one. Immediately after one messenger told him the bad news, another one came in and said the next piece.

The Malbim notes that the first 3 tests are all considered one thing because they all concerned Iyov’s physical possessions. The last, however, where his children were killed, was in an entirely different realm. This explains why it seems that there is a pause between the 3rd and 4th messengers.

In less than one day’s time, Iyov’s life was completely overturned. From riches to rags would be an understatement.

In the last part of the perek, we see how Iyov amazingly accepted these decrees and passed these tests. He viewed all his possessions, including his children, as separate from himself and therefore did not complain to God.

Verse 21 gives us the famous words: “Vayomer arom yatsasi mibeten imi, v’arom ashuv shamah. Hashem nassan vaHashem lakach. Yehi shem Hashem m’vorach – He said, ‘Naked I emerged from my mother’s womb and naked I shall return. God has given and God has taken away. May the name of God be blessed.”

Rav Shwab notes that Iyov used Hashem’s Name of YHVK, middas harachamim, characteristics of mercy, not the name Elokim, Judgment. This shows that Iyov did not harbor resentment towards God and accepted His most difficult tests with perfect faith.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily. What will happen to Iyov in the second perek?

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.