איוב, פרק ב׳, פסוק ה׳

A person's true devotion is often revealed not in the loss of his possessions, but in the agony of his own body. Satan presents God with the ultimate test of Job’s faith, arguing that physical suffering and pain are the true measure of human endurance. Although Job successfully survived the devastating loss of his wealth and his children, Satan insists that a direct physical blow will strip away his remaining defenses and expose his genuine attitude toward divine providence.

This next stage is presented as a stark contrast to the previous hardships [רש״י], acting as a clear and absolute trial [מלבי״ם]. Satan asks God to reach out and strike Job directly. Even though Satan is the one who ultimately executes the harm and destruction, this request highlights that God is the primary cause of all that occurs. Satan is entirely powerless to act without first securing permission from Him [תקות אנוש].

The proposed affliction is deeply personal and severe. Enduring harm to one's own bone and flesh is a much harsher, more tangible reality than losing family or riches [מצודת דוד]. This is not meant to be a superficial injury, but a mortal, life-threatening blow. The deliberate goal is to shatter his bones and cause his flesh to decay, leaving absolutely no chance for recovery. The suffering is designed to push him until he completely despairs of any cure, hope, or comfort [מלבי״ם, אלשיך].

Satan confidently declares that the outcome of this suffering will be immediate and undeniable [רש״י]. He predicts that Job will respond with harsh cursing and blasphemy. Overwhelmed by immense physical pain and profound anger, Job is fully expected to direct his fury upward and bitterly condemn God's leadership [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

There is a subtle but profound shift in Satan's accusation during this second trial. In the first test, the prediction was merely that Job would question and deny God's open, revealed actions in the world. Now, the expectation reaches much further inward. The severe suffering and total brokenness are intended to cause Job to completely deny God deep within his own heart, rebelling in the most private, internal space that only God can see [אלשיך].