The Wisdom of Inconsistency (Job 26)

The Wisdom of Inconsistency (Job 26)

Over the years, one of the persistent appeals I have heard in Christian discussions is the need for consistency.Inconsistency, it is argued, breeds insecurity. To produce security in the lives of those under our care, we mustact consistently. I understand the point...
Miserable Mortality (Job 25)

Miserable Mortality (Job 25)

Previously, I noted the opinion of many interpreters that the third cycle of speeches in Job has somehow been corrupted. They note, among other things, Zophar’s lack of contribution and Bildad’s brevity of speech in chapter 25, the shortest chapter in the book and the...

Unchangeably Holy (Job 23–24)

Bible interpreters have long observed that the third cycle of speeches in Job is more difficult to understand than the preceding two. In the first two cycles, each friend spoke in turn and Job responded to each one. In the third, only Eliphaz and Zophar speak, and...
Spiritual Abuse (Job 22)

Spiritual Abuse (Job 22)

The notion of spiritual abuse pervades the Christian landscape today. People from every corner of the globe claim to have experienced spiritual abuse and to have been completely turned off church because of it. Many books have been published in recent years addressing...
Seeing through the Shallowness (Job 21)

Seeing through the Shallowness (Job 21)

In the interaction between Job and his friends, we have witnessed his counsellors grow increasingly agitated with him. They had come to him with a very neat systematic theology, which explained all his afflictions. It was tried and tested. The oral tradition of wisdom...
Learning from Foolish Counsel (Job 20)

Learning from Foolish Counsel (Job 20)

The interaction between Job and his friends must have been a sight to behold. As we have made our way through their speeches, we have observed mounting frustration amongst the three counsellors. Each speech is more vociferous and blunter than the preceding one. These...