Resurrection in the Rust

It has all the hallmarks of a bet between gambling buddies: God holds up Job as the most righteous person on earth, “blameless and upright, fearing the Lord and shunning evil.” Satan (referred to here as The Accuser) argues that Job is only righteous because of his prosperity, and that he would not remain so if God stretched out his hand against him. So, God said to Satan, “all that he has is in your power. But don’t do anything to Job.”   Right away, Job’s livestock and servants were plundered or incinerated. A violent storm destroyed the house where Job’s children were gathered, and they all perished. Job rose up, tore his robe, shaved his head, then fell down and worshipped. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”   It would seem now that God just won the bet.   But Satan is unwilling to admit defeat. So, God permits him to strike Job’s body, though he is...