约伯记1

6有一天，神的众子，来侍立在耶和华面前，撒但也来在其中。 
KJV Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

地上的教会（会堂）中，整天在上帝面前的神的儿子们，恰恰是撒但活跃攻击的目标。传统上神的众子解释为天使，不妥。

c7耶和华问撒但说，你从哪里来？撒但回答说，我从地上走来走去，往返而来。 
And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

撒但是世界的王，如蛇一样，正是在地上寻找、试探和攻击神的儿子们。

8耶和华问撒但说，你曾用心察看我的仆人约伯没有。地上再没有人像他完全正直，敬畏神，远离恶事。 
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
9撒但回答耶和华说，约伯敬畏神，岂是无故呢？ 
Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

撒但的阴谋陷害约伯，挑起事端，给神的儿子带来苦难。

10你岂不是四面圈上篱笆，围护他和他的家，并他一切所有的吗？他手所做的都蒙你赐福。他的家产也在地上增多。 
Hast not thou made an 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.
11你且伸手毁他一切所有的。他必当面弃掉你。 
But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
12耶和华对撒但说，凡他所有的都在你手中。只是不可伸手加害于他。于是撒但从耶和华面前退去。 
And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

神为什么允许撒但存在？这是神的容许性的主权。神的掌控万有，有时也体现在通过撒但作为其中的一个环节到达神的目的，正如卖主犹大的存在。