The answer is: House fell on them

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

The story of Job is filled with profound themes, and the tragic loss of his children in such a sudden way certainly drives home the idea of human fragility. In this case, a great wind—commonly thought to be a fierce storm—was the catalyst for the house collapsing on Job's sons and daughters. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life; one moment everything can seem stable, and the next can bring chaos and sorrow.

Interestingly, this story echoes motifs from various other ancient texts. The concept of divine tests and misfortunes can be found across numerous cultures, emphasizing the universal challenge of grappling with suffering. Notably, a great wind in biblical literature often signals God’s presence or action; for instance, it was a great wind that parted the Red Sea in Exodus and eludes throughout various psalms.

Furthermore, did you know that the number of Job’s children—seven sons and three daughters—carries significant symbolism? In biblical numerology, the number seven often represents completion while three might symbolize the Trinity, a version of completeness in its own right. This reinforces Job's initial status as blessed, making their loss even more heartbreaking.

Job and his children's story leads us to reflections on existential questions of fate, divine will, and our emotions before tragedy. The ages old adage rings true: "Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans." Each of these components adds layers to Job's experience as a representation of human spiritual resilience in the face of despair.