Job Ep. 6: The Satan

Job — Episode 6: The Satan

In this episode of the Maple Grove Scripture Reading Podcast, we remain in the heavenly courtroom of Job 1:6–12 and turn our attention to one of the most debated figures in the book: the satan.

We slow down to examine what the Hebrew word satan actually means, how it functions in the Old Testament, and why the presence of the definite article (“the”) matters for how we understand this character. Along the way, we explore whether this figure should be understood as Satan as we later meet him in the New Testament, or as an accuser functioning within the divine council.

We also consider why the precise identity of this figure may not be the main point of the passage, and why the book of Job never returns to him after the opening chapters. Rather than rushing to tidy conclusions, this episode focuses on careful reading, biblical context, and letting the text set the terms of the discussion.

This episode helps us read Job 1 more faithfully by paying attention to language, literary function, and theological restraint—especially when the text leaves questions open.

Scripture: Job 1:6–12 (NIV)