Why did God allow Satan to torment Job?

The horrendous pain inflicted upon Job raises the problem of evil and the existence of a good God. In theology, we speak of theodicy when addressing this issue: How can a good God allow evil to exist in his world? In the case of Job, the question is more poignant because God was aware of an attack coming on Job before it happened, and He could have prevented it.

First, I would remind you that when we ask questions on why God did something, for which there is no clear explanation in Scripture, we are speculating. The Almighty has knowledge and purposes that far exceed our knowledge as finite and fallen beings (Isa. 55:8–9). This is part of the resolution presented by Job’s sufferings. Job questions God’s dealing with him without having an exalted knowledge of God and His ways: “You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely, I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know...My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:3–5).

Second, we know that God is good. All the purposes that God had for Job’s sufferings will not be known in this present world because they reflect the mind of One who is infinite and eternal. However, we are reassured that God is eternally good and loving, and He has proven it to us by allowing His own Son to bear our punishment, rather than inflicting such suffering upon us.