Job 1:6

To teach such a lesson, the veil is lifted for us on a higher scene. Earth is the stage where the godly man is tested. And the sight of a saint watched by angels is not only a later thing, true of apostles and others; it was already true then.

The book is a magnificent piece of poetry, told in a vividly dramatic form. That does not in the least mean it is any less true. In God's word poetry must be truth, and nothing is grander than these great dramas. The setting is heaven and earth, and those taking part are God, the angels, Satan and man. There is no room for invention here, because the truth is grander than anything men can imagine.

Heaven as a place is not fiction. There is an uncreated heaven where God's throne and dwelling place have always been. From this passage we may gather that there are certain times when all who live in heaven, good and evil, have to gather before the Lord. The expression "sons of God" does not mean believers on earth (a believer's sonship is a New Testament truth), but supernatural beings, the angels. According to this book, these sons of God shouted for joy at the hour of creation (38:7).

The expression "sons of God" seems to suggest not just a spirit nature, but moral likeness to God as well. The mention of "Satan" in contrast makes this even clearer.

We have a most remarkable scene, where "the sons of God" came together, we may say, to pay their homage to God Himself in heaven. You know that "the sons of God" serve as messengers. Here we get a very vivid view of one particular day when they came — the day, not merely a day. Neither the Revised Version nor the Authorised Version has it, but that is the word intended.

This scripture corrects our ordinary views of Satan. Though he is morally fallen, he still has access into God's presence, and can still present himself along with the "sons of God." He is far from being shut up in hell, or even confined to earth. We see this shameless rebel taking his place there as though it were still his right. The time is coming, and soon, when he will be cast out of heaven down to earth (Rev. 12:7-12). He will stay there only a short time, and then be bound a thousand years in the bottomless pit (Rev. 20:1-3).

The sons of God here in Job 1:6 appear to be unfallen angels, for fallen angels are not sons of God. Satan came among them, though not one of them.

How great is the patience of God! He has put up with Satan's spite and scheming through all the sad centuries of fallen man's history. He even let him tempt our first parents while they were still innocent. He lets him make his accusations and hints that there is no good, right before His very face. But God allows it all to bring out lessons for eternity. Satan is certainly heaping up more wrath for himself, and meanwhile his very malice can only serve God's righteous purposes of blessing.