How Does Job Fit Proverbs? (Part 2) January 8, 2007
Posted by Brian Sandifer in Old Testament Poets, Seminary.trackback
Thesis:
Factoring time into classical retribution theology does not make Job fit with the teaching of Proverbs.
Proof:
Classical retribution theology involves the notion of a response flowing necessarily from an action: blessing from obedience and punishment from disobedience. The book of Deuteronomy, which describes the time-sensitive covenant of works between God and the Israelite nation regarding the Land promises, more naturally fits with the retribution theology taught in Proverbs (see Deut 4:25-31). The driving tension in the book of Job centers on the apparent absence of righteous retribution. According to God, Job is “a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil,” (Job 1:8) yet he his possessions, family, and health are literally pummeled at the seemingly merciless hand of God. Adding a degree of time does not solve the problem for Job, even though he is restored and vindicated at the end of the test (Job 42:7-16), for the theology of retribution requires that Job not suffer at all because he did nothing to deserve such anguish. It is the retribution theology of Job’s three friends and Elihu (“Job suffers because he has sinned”1) that invites the final rebuke from God. “As a result, he [Job] became an intercessor for his friends, who had advocated a false wisdom of mechanical retribution.”2 The divine rebuke experienced by Job at the end of the book disallows the interpretation that retribution theology eventually carries the day. The end of Job’s harrowing tale teaches us that he never merited the suffering or blessing that came upon him, that God alone is wise and that the book “promotes an attitude that acknowledges the power and wisdom of the God of the universe.”3
(Continue reading here.)
Hello, i have two to whom the book of job addressed? and what category does it fit in? thanks
Manning,
Job is generally considered ancient wisdom literature. It is a series of long poems that are bracketed at the beginning and end of the book by brief narrative prose sections. As to whom the book is addressed, it is not like the NT epistles or the Gospel of Luke (which are specifically addressed to a named audience). The book of Job may thus be understood as addressed to the people of God in the OT period, and therefore applicable to the same people of God in the NT period, even up to today.
Hope this helps.
Brian