The Book of Job: Judaism in the 2nd Century BCE

by Leslie S. Wilson

Overview

The Book of Job deals with a variety of issues, on levels both superficial and profound. It has been the subject of scholarly debate and analysis ever since its inclusion in the Hebrew Bible. Scholars and theologians have set forth a variety of theories to explain the "human condition" and justify the actions of the Divine toward humanity. The material differences in attempts by scholars to translate the Book of Job are evidence that these theories cannot be supported.

The author of the Book of Job employs a unique intertextual code. The code hides a sophisticated agenda that includes not simply the interaction of the Divine and humanity, but also the quality of this interaction. The programmatic investigation by the author reflects also contemporary politico-religious conflicts among Jews of 2nd Century BCE Palestine.

Dr. Wilson uncovers the intertextual cipher and opens the window to a single coherent solution to the meaning and intent of the Book of Job.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761834625
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	05/17/2006
Series:	Studies in Judaism
Pages:	150
Product dimensions:	6.44(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.85(d)

About the Author

Leslie S. Wilson is a Research Associate in the Near Eastern Languages Department at Yale University. He earned his Ph.D. from Yale University and his M.A. and B.A. from Cambridge University.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface and Acknowledgments Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 Literary Beginnings Chapter 4 Introduction to the Prologue Chapter 5 The Prologue—Part 1 Chapter 6 The Prologue—Part 2 Chapter 7 The Prologue—Part 3 Chapter 8 The Discourse of Job and His "Friends" Chapter 9 Continuity and Messianism: The Blessing and the Curse Chapter 10 Job's Last Word: Anatomy of a Curse Chapter 11 Deus Omnipotens: The Elihu Epilogue Chapter 12 "From the Whirlwind": The Second Epilogue Chapter 13 "Absolute Relatives": The Third Epilogue Chapter 14 "Righteousness" and "Wholeness": Review and Synthesis Chapter 15 An Historical Context Chapter 16 Gleanings Chapter 17 Appendices 1-6 Chapter 18 Abbreviations Chapter 19 Bibliography Chapter 20 Index of BH Citations Chapter 21 Index of DSS Citations