A Critique On The Book Of Job: True Narrative Or Allegory?
Posted: Thursday, August 11, 2011
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
For varying reasons, many people believe the book of Job is an allegorical message on human suffering and faith in God. Also, for various reasons, many declare that it is a narrative account of a true episode in the life of a man named Job. We may not be able to resolve these differences but we can look at the opposing reasons and also at the lessons taught in the book.
1. The book does not state who the author is.
2. There is no indication contained within it which gives an accurate or near-accurate dating.
3. Some feel that it is not in God’s nature to allow a devout believer in God to undergo such misfortune and suffering simply to test his faith.
4. The method of writing the narrative also raises doubts since it contains so many of the numbers considered to be sacred, three and seven. Also, Job’s name is a derivative of an Arabic word meaning “to take back” or “repentance”. It is also written very poetically, which seems to eliminate some of the proposed writers.
5. The lengthy narrative speeches by Job’s friends seem likely to have been somewhat artificial.
Anyone can visualize these thoughts when reading the book, yet there are also many who cite certain portions which indicate real truth and real personages.
1. In the writings of the prophet Ezekiel, he mentions Job together with two other real biblical characters, Noah, Daniel and Job. Biblical scholars contend that an inspired writer would not have included a figurative character in the same grouping with real humans.
2. One of the prime rules of Hermeneutics is, accept all biblical writings as factual UNLESS, there is some compelling reason to consider it allegorical or symbolic.
3. The land of Uz, where Job resided. Uz is a term which means a light sandy soil swuch as was located between Palestine and the Euphrates river. An area which would be suitable for a wealthy land owner.
4. The fact that names are assigned to the characters indicate they were real people. For Jesus, almost without exception, used the terms, “a certain man”, “a sower”, “a certain king” and so on, in parables.
And there are many other lengthy reasonings both pro and con in the attempt to resolve this matter. However, as logical as these reasons are, none lock the subject in, one way or another. However, it is not essential that one knows for sure. The meanings and intent of the writings remain the same, regardless of whether or not it is symbolic. Such writings, along with parables and known symbolic accounts, have a meaning which is true and binding in any case.
There are several lessons taught for those who believe in God.
In chapter 2 of the book of Job, after he had lost all his children, cattle and other possessions, he was stricken with sores, boils all over his body. He sat in ashes and scraped his sores with a potsherd. As his wife witnessed his torment and misery, she made the following remark:
“Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” “But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips” (Job 2:9-10)
It would be difficult for most people to make such a comment when in deep sorrow and pain after losing all his wealth and all his family except his wife.
When three of his friends came to console him, they did the opposite of consoling, they accused him of having sin in his life which had brought all of this catastrophe upon him. Job knew that he had and was, living a righteous life and he denied vehemently that this was punishment for sins.
Reading the book is a good idea for all, It shows living a life in obedience to God’s commands does not guarantee anyone riches, good fortune and health. It also proves that one may undergo severe trials but that they can remain faithful to God during it all if they wish to. The only guarantee is peace that passeth understanding in Jesus Christ for those willing to follow his doctrine as closely as they possibly can, and then receive an eternal home in glory with Him and His Father.
This Article has been viewed 607 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.