The Soton in Sefer Iyov

Shiur #13 in Rav Aharon Kahn’s Hashkafah Series Based on Mishlei with Biur HaGra.

Content Description: Analysis of commentaries on the opening 12 verses of Sefer Iyov. Is Soton a person, an angel, or the natural, negative instincts of man? Main approach: Soton is an external force to Iyov, as opposed to the natural, internal elements which are rooted in the base forces of aggression and desire. What the Soton sends our way depends on (and is the inverse of) siyata dishmaya- but our response to it depends on us alone. Mishlei verse 1:10 with Alshich. The power of justification; we want to always “smell like a rose” We want to “have our cake and eat it too.”.

Citations: Sefer Iyov 1:1-12 with commentaries, found in the source packet on pages 1-3, and Sefer Mishlei 1:10 with Alshich, found in the source packet on page 3.