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Job is introduced as blameless, upright, and extraordinarily wealthy in the land of Uz. In the heavenly court, the adversary (ha-satan, with the definite article indicating a role rather than a proper name) challenges God's assertion of Job's righteousness, claiming it is mercenary—'Does Job fear God for nothing?' God permits the adversary to strip Job of his possessions and children. Job responds with worship rather than accusation.
The setting in Uz (likely Edom or northern Arabia) and the patriarchal-era social details suggest an ancient narrative, though its literary composition is debated. The heavenly council scene reflects ancient Near Eastern divine assembly traditions attested in Ugaritic texts. The satan here functions as a prosecuting attorney in the divine court, not yet the developed Satan of later theology.
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