The answer is: House fell on them

Job 1:18-19 - A great wind came and knocked the house down

The tragic account of Job’s children serves as a poignant reminder of life's unpredictability and the immense suffering that can occur in any family. In Job 1:18-19, we read about a fierce wind that collapses the house where his sons and daughters were gathered for a feast. This calamity not only reflects the human experience of unexpected loss, but also foreshadows the profound challenges Job will face throughout the book.

What’s particularly interesting is the nature of “the wind” in ancient literature and theology. Wind often represents a divine force in many cultures, symbolizing either the mighty spirit moving in the world or a precursor to something dreadful. So when Job's youngest messenger delivers the shocking news, it sets off a complex interplay of fate and divine will, leaving readers pondering about the nature of both suffering and justice.

The number of Job's children — seven sons and three daughters — mirrors the ancient world's understanding of completeness; ten often signifies wholeness. Interestingly, this motif of ten can also be found in the Ten Commandments and other significant biblical patterns.

Even after such devastation, Job's story evolves into a profound exploration of resilience, unfolding dialogues about faith, ethics, and the universal experiences of doubt and lament. By the end of his trials, he remains a figure of unwavering suffering, catalyzing enduring discussions about human perseverance amid turmoil.