Command 45: Watch and Pray
Study Question
Q: Job is an outstanding example of one who watched and prayed for his ten children, yet they were all destroyed. What went wrong? (See Job 1:1–22.)
A: Job was the most righteous man of his day. He kept a regular watch over his children. Whenever his sons and daughters had a celebration in one of their houses, Job went before the Lord on their behalf. “And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually” (Job 1:5).
The faithful watching that Job carried out was effective in building a protective hedge around his family and possessions. Satan even complained about it. “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for naught? Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land” (Job 1:9–10).
Not only was Job’s watching so effective that Satan complained about it, but there is every indication that God protected Job’s sons and daughters because of his watching and praying.
When God removed His hedge from around Job, Satan killed Job’s ten children, had all of his flocks and herds stolen, and destroyed his health. Three miserable friends came to “comfort” Job, but instead accused him of sin.
Job spent much time during those days listening and watching. As he remained faithful to the Lord, God restored double the amount of the material goods that Job lost. God also gave him seven more sons and three beautiful daughters. The fact that God did not give Job double the number of children after his testing would indicate that Job’s first ten children were not actually “lost” but instead went before him to heaven. Indeed, Job’s steadfast watching and praying did have a positive effect in the lives of his children.
This study question and answer is adapted from the Commands of Christ, Series 7, book. For further study, this book may be purchased from our Online Store.