Prelude to Chapter 1

Happiness takes years to build, but tragedy strikes in an instant.

Job's life had been one of boundless prosperity,

flourishing fields, herds that stretched beyond sight,

and a family that filled his home with joy. But in a single day, that life was torn to shreds.

The first blow came like a thief in the night. Raiders descended upon his servants,

swords flashing, leaving fields littered with the fallen. Before Job could fully process the horror, a servant stumbled to him, trembling.

Lightning! It struck the pastures. Your sheep, your herders,

gone. All are consumed in flame.

Job's heart pounded, but no reprieve came.

Another messenger burst in, breathless.

Chaldeans formed raiding parties.

They've stolen your camels, killed your servants.

I alone escaped to tell you.

Each report hit like a hammer on his chest. But then came the final blow,

the one that shattered him. A servant collapsed at his field.

Now what is happening?

Master Jude, it's your children. A great wind came from the wilderness. The strong forest were never fast.

The walls collapsed.

The rule of gold.

Job raced to the scene, his feet pounding against the earth.

He reached the smoldering wreckage of his eldest son's home.

...