- Who or what are the b’nei ha-Elohim (divine beings; literally, “the sons of God”) mentioned in Job 2:1 and previously in Job 1:6?
- The dialogue between God and the Adversary (Job 2:2-3) is almost identical to that in Job 1:7-8. Where does it differ?
- The JPS footnote indicates difficulty with the meaning of “skin for skin” (Job 2:4). How would you interpret it?
- After the Adversary’s challenge, why does God insist on sparing Job’s life (Job 2:6)?
- Why does Job sit in ashes (Job 2:8)?
- How would you characterize the reaction of Job’s wife to his suffering (Job 2:9)? Why isn’t her name mentioned?
- How would you characterize Job’s response (Job 2:10)?
- Why do Job’s friends remain silent for so long a time? Explain their initial reaction to Job’s condition (Job 2:11–13). Can you relate these behaviors to what Jewish tradition prescribes regarding consoling the bereaved?
