Job

by Kathleen M. O'Connor

Publisher:

Liturgical Press

, 2012

Overview

The book of Job is a vivid testimony of pain, a plea for justice, and a wrenching theological debate. Central to this debate are questions about the roles that God and humans play in causing human suffering and whether divine-human relationships can proceed in the midst of overwhelming anguish. Like a riddle, the text grasps readers’ minds and emotions, inviting them to participate in Job’s story and to work toward their own solution to the dilemmas of both Job and his friends.

Contents

Top Highlights

“It sets conflicting characters and discordant speeches side by side without providing interpretive clues” (Page 5)

“Laments are a form of truth-telling to God. They open up rather than deny suffering, and they present to God the affliction of the one who prays and demands action. In Old Testament laments, anger at God and fury close to blasphemy are instruments of fidelity because they keep the relationship with God alive in the midst of suffering. They are acts of faith that God cares for the afflicted and can bear to hear the truth. By using laments, Job grows strong and courageous as he clings to God under the worst conditions.” (Page 6)

“The book of Job is vivid testimony to pain, a plea for justice, and a wrenching theological debate about suffering and its causes. Central to this debate are questions about the roles God and humans play in causing human suffering and whether divine-human relationship can proceed in the midst of overwhelming anguish. Like a riddle, the text grasps readers’ minds and emotions, inviting them to participate in Job’s story and to work toward their own solution to the dilemmas of both Job and his friends.” (Page 5)

“Wisdom drawn from animal and plant life instructed humans in how to maneuver in daily life and how to contribute to the community. Both Job and his friends apply proverbs to his situation, but their proverbs usually conflict with one another.” (Page 7)

Product Details

• Title: Job
• Author: Kathleen M. O'Connor
• Series: The New Collegeville Bible Commentary
• Volume: 19
• Publisher: Liturgical Press
• Print Publication Date: 2012
• Logos Release Date: 2017
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Job › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780814628539, 0814628532
• Resource ID: LLS:NCBC18JOB
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:25:12Z

About Kathleen M. O'Connor

Kathleen M. O’Connor is William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Emerita, at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. She holds a PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary, an MA from Providence College, and a BA from the College of New Rochelle. She has taught frequently in local churches and community groups and given courses in Central America, Thailand, Japan, and Ireland.