and the Sabeans attacked and swooped down on them and took away the animals. They also killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

While he was still speaking, another [messenger] also came and said, “The fire of God (lightning) has fallen from the heavens and has burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

While he was still speaking, another [messenger] also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and have taken them away and have killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

and suddenly, a great wind came from across the desert, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

“I waste away and loathe my life; I will not live forever.
Let me alone, for my days are but a breath [futile and without substance].

“Will You never turn Your gaze away from me [it plagues me],
Nor let me alone until I swallow my spittle?

Who alone stretches out the heavens
And tramples down the waves of the sea;

“Would He not let my few days alone,
Withdraw from me that I may have a little cheer

“But [only] with Him are [perfect] wisdom and might;
He [alone] has [true] counsel and understanding.

“Be silent before me so that I may speak;
And let happen to me what may.

To whom alone the land was given,
And no stranger passed among them [corrupting the truth].

“God understands the way [to wisdom]
And He knows its place [for wisdom is with God alone].

Then He saw wisdom and declared it;
He established it and searched it out.

Or have eaten my morsel [of food] alone,
And did not share it with the orphan

If I gloated and rejoiced because my wealth was great,
And because my [powerful] hand [alone] had obtained so much,

“Beware if you say,
‘We have found wisdom;
God thrusts Job down [justly], not man [for God alone is dealing with him].’

“Can you, with Him, spread out the sky,
Strong as a molten mirror?