² He had seven sons^(A) and three daughters,^(B)

⁴ His sons used to hold feasts^(A) in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. ⁵ When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified.^(B) Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering^(C) for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned^(D) and cursed God^(E) in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.

¹⁸ While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters^(A) were feasting^(B) and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, ¹⁹ when suddenly a mighty wind^(C) swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead,^(D) and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!^(E)”