Job 1:6

6 Now there was a day [yowm] when the sons [ben] of God ['elohiym] came [bow'] to present [yatsab] themselves before the LORD [Yahovah], and Satan [satan] came [bow'] also among [tavek] them. KJV-Interlinear

6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. NASB

Here we are told that periodically, the angels assemble in heaven before God. In Daniel chapter 4, we have studied the hearing in which Nebuchadnezzar was condemned to obscurity for his arrogance. His life was evaluated and a sentence was issued. He was warned of this in a dream, which Daniel interpreted. Nebuchadnezzar ignored the warning.

The angels in heaven heard the evidence against Nebuchadnezzar and confirmed the sentence against him. This is one form of assembly in which angels participate. And now we know of a periodic assembly in which the sons of God, the angels who are considered as saved or elect angels, gather together for whatever purpose.

Satan also attended the assembly. Satan is one of the condemned angels. He was condemned at some point in history prior to humans coming onto the scene.

In eternity past God created the angels. They were all a happy lot. Then God created the universe. The angels were still one happy family at that point in history.

Job 38:7

7 When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? NASB

This verse describes the state of the angels' harmony when the universe was created.

Then something happened. Lucifer, the greatest of all of the angels, became arrogant and he wanted to be 'like the most high.' He rebelled and all of the angels without exception had their doubts toward God, as to this confrontation.

Job 4:18

18 'He puts no trust even in His servants; And against His angels He charges error. NASB

A trial period of some type was held. Redemption was offered to the angels and all but one-third of the angels, returned to God.

Rev. 12:4

4 And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven, NASB

At some point, either during the trial or shortly thereafter, Lucifer's name changed to Satan or the Devil.

Satan means adversary, but this meaning is not simply an opponent, it is in reference to an opposing legal counsel in a courtroom setting. Satan also means accuser.

His other name, devil, means slanderer. The nature of Satan is such that he accuses and slanders continually.

Rev. 12:10

10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. NASB

From the Easton's Bible Dictionary, the following description is obtained:

'Satan - adversary; accuser. When used as a proper name, the Hebrew word so rendered has the article 'the adversary' (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7). In the New Testament it is used as interchangeable with Diabolos, or the devil, and is so used more than thirty times.

He is also called 'the dragon,' 'the old serpent' (Rev 12:9; 20:2); 'the prince of this world' (John 12:31; 14:30); 'the prince of the power of the air' (Eph 2:2); 'the god of this world' (2 Cor 4:4); 'the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience' (Eph 2:2).

The distinct personality of Satan and his activity among men are thus obviously recognized. He tempted our Lord in the wilderness (Matt 4:1-11). He is 'Beelzebub, the prince of the devils' (12:24). He is 'the constant enemy of God, of Christ, of the divine kingdom, of the followers of Christ, and of all truth; full of falsehood and all malice, and exciting and seducing to evil in every possible way.'

His power is very great in the world. He is a 'roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour' (1 Peter 5:8). Men are said to be 'taken captive by him' (2 Tim 2:26). Christians are warned against his 'devices' (2 Cor 2:11), and called on to 'resist' him (James 4:7). Christ redeems his people from 'him that had the power of death, that is, the devil' (Heb 2:14). Satan has the 'power of death,' not as lord, but simply as executioner.'

'Devil - (diabolos), a slanderer, the arch-enemy of man's spiritual interest (Job 1:6; Rev 2:10; Zech 3:1). He is called also 'the accuser of the brethen' (Rev 12:10).

In Lev 17:7 the word 'devil' is the translation of the Hebrew 'sair,' meaning a 'goat' or 'satyr' (Isa 13:21; 34:14), alluding to the wood-daemons, the objects of idolatrous worship among the heathen.

In Deut 32:17 and Ps 106:37 it is the translation of Hebrew 'shed,' meaning lord, and idol, regarded by the Jews as a 'demon,' as the word is rendered in the Revised Version.

In the narratives of the Gospels regarding the 'casting out of devils' a different Greek word (daimon) is used. In the time of our Lord there were frequent cases of demoniacal possession (Matt 12:25-30; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 4:35; 10:18, etc.).'

This is the end of the Easton's Bible Dictionary quote.

Thus far we know that Job was an exemplary person. His authentic qualities made his upcoming adversities, by contrast, all the more severe.

The occurrence of this heavenly meeting suggests a constant review, or reporting, or accounting, or instruction of the activities of the angels as well as the activities of humanity on earth. God is going to question Satan regarding Job.

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