Job 1:13-22 (Vespers, 2nd reading)
- 13
- Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house;
- 14
- and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,
- 15
- “when the Sabeans raided them and took them away – indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
- 16
- While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
- 17
- While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
- 18
- While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,
- 19
- “and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
- 20
- Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.
- 21
- And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
- 22
- In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.