9 And the Adversary answereth Jehovah and saith, 'For nought is Job fearing God? 10 Hast not Thou made a hedge for him, and for his house, and for all that he hath—round about? 11 The work of his hands Thou hast blessed, and his substance hath spread in the land, and yet, put forth, I pray Thee, Thy hand, and strike against anything that he hath—if not: to Thy face he doth bless Thee!' 12 And Jehovah saith unto the Adversary, 'Lo, all that he hath 'is' in thy hand, only unto him put not forth thy hand.' And the Adversary goeth out from the presence of Jehovah.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 1:9-12
Commentary on Job 1:6-12
(Read Job 1:6-12)
Job's afflictions began from the malice of Satan, by the Lord's permission, for wise and holy purposes. There is an evil spirit, the enemy of God, and of all righteousness, who is continually seeking to distress, to lead astray, and, if possible, to destroy those who love God. How far his influence may extend, we cannot say; but probably much unsteadiness and unhappiness in Christians may be ascribed to him. While we are on this earth we are within his reach. Hence it concerns us to be sober and vigilant, Revelation 20:1. He has no power to lead men to sin, but what they give him themselves; nor any power to afflict men, but what is given him from above. All this is here described to us after the manner of men. The Scripture speaks thus to teach us that God directs the affairs of the world.