Job 38-42, Volume 18B

By David J. A. Clines

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

Overview of Commentary Organization

• Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology.
• Each section of the commentary includes:
• Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the most important works that pertain to each particular pericope.
• Translation—the author’s own translation of the biblical text, reflecting the end result of exegesis and attending to Hebrew and Greek idiomatic usage of words, phrases, and tenses, yet in reasonably good English.
• Notes—the author’s notes to the translation that address any textual variants, grammatical forms, syntactical constructions, basic meanings of words, and problems of translation.
• Form/Structure/Setting—a discussion of redaction, genre, sources, and tradition as they concern the origin of the pericope, its canonical form, and its relation to the biblical and extra-biblical contexts in order to illuminate the structure and character of the pericope. Rhetorical or compositional features important to understanding the passage are also introduced here.
• Comment—verse-by-verse interpretation of the text and dialogue with other interpreters, engaging with current opinion and scholarly research.
• Explanation—brings together all the results of the discussion in previous sections to expose the meaning and intention of the text at several levels: (1) within the context of the book itself; (2) its meaning in the OT or NT; (3) its place in the entire canon; (4) theological relevance to broader OT or NT issues.
  • General Bibliography—occurring at the end of each volume, this extensive bibliographycontains all sources used anywhere in the commentary.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Release date: Dec 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9780310586807

David J. A. Clines

David J.A. Clines is Professor of Biblical Studies in the University of Sheffield (England), Joint Editor of the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, and Editor of The Dictionary of Classical Hebrew. He holds the B.A. degree from the University of Sydney (Australia) and the M.A. from Cambridge University.  Selected publications by Professor Clines include I, He, We and They: A Literary Approach to Isaiah 53, The Theme of the Pentateuch, The Esther Scroll: The Story of the Story, and the commentary on Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther in the New Century Bible.

Book preview

Editorial Board

Old Testament Editor: Nancy L. deClaissé-Walford (2011–)

New Testament Editor: Peter H. Davids (2013–)

Past Editors

General Editors

Ralph P. Martin (2012–2013)

Bruce M. Metzger (1997–2007)

David A. Hubbard (1977–1996)

Glenn W. Barker (1977–1984)

Old Testament Editors:

John D. W. Watts (1977–2011)

James W. Watts (1997–2011)

New Testament Editors:

Ralph P. Martin (1977–2012)

Lynn Allan Losie (1997–2013)

Volumes

*forthcoming as of 2014

**in revision as of 2014

Word Biblical Commentary

Volume 18B

Job 38—42

David J. A. Clines

General Editors: Bruce M. Metzger, David A. Hubbard, Glenn W. Barker

Old Testament Editors: John D. W. Watts, James W. Watts

New Testament Editors: Ralph P. Martin, Lynn Allan Losie

To my granddaughters

Megan and Elsie and Esther

ἑκάστῃ ἔδωκεν δέκα τάλαντα

To each he gave ten talents.

ZONDERVAN

Job 38-42, Volume 18B

Copyright © 2011 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Previously published as Job 38-42.

Formerly published by Thomas Nelson. Now published by Zondervan, a division of HarperCollinsChristian Publishing.

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

ePub edition November 2017: ISBN 978-0-310-58680-7

The Library of Congress has cataloged the original edition as follows: Library of Congress Control Number: 2005295211

Scripture quotations in the body of the commentary marked NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible copyright ® 1989 by the Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America, and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

The author’s own translation of the Scripture text appears in italic type under the heading Translation.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Contents

Editorial Preface

Publisher’s Note

Testimonia

Abbreviations

TEXT AND COMMENTARY

Dialogue between Yahweh and Job

Yahweh’s First Speech (38:1–40:2)

Job’s First Reply (40:3–5)

Yahweh’s Second Speech (40:6–41:34)

Job’s Second Reply (42:1–6)

Epilogue (42:7–17)

Bibliographies

Chapter Bibliography (Supplement to Volume 3)

General Bibliography (replacing the Bibliography in Volume 1, WBC 17)

Corrigenda

Corrigenda to Volumes 1 and 2

Indexes

Index of Emendations, Re-arrangements, and Adoptions of New Words

Classified Index to the Book of Job

Index of Hebrew Words

Index of Authors

Editorial Preface

The launching of the Word Biblical Commentary brings to fulfillment an enterprise of several years’ planning. The publishers and the members of the editorial board met in 1977 to explore the possibility of a new commentary on the books of the Bible that would incorporate several distinctive features. Prospective readers of these volumes are entitled to know what such features were intended to be; whether the aims of the commentary have been fully achieved time alone will tell.

First, we have tried to cast a wide net to include as contributors a number of scholars from around the world who not only share our aims, but are in the main engaged in the ministry of teaching in university, college, and seminary. They represent a rich diversity of denominational allegiance. The broad stance of our contributors can rightly be called evangelical, and this term is to be understood in its positive, historic sense of a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation and to the truth and power of the Christian gospel.

Then, the commentaries in our series are all commissioned and written for the purpose of inclusion in the Word Biblical Commentary. Unlike several of our distinguished counterparts in the field of commentary writing, there are no translated works, originally written in a non-English language. Also, our commentators were asked to prepare their own rendering of the original biblical text and to use the biblical languages as the basis of their own comments and exegesis. What may be claimed as distinctive with this series is that it is based on the biblical languages, yet it seeks to make the technical and scholarly approach to a theological understanding of Scripture understandable by—and useful to—the fledgling student, the working minister, and colleagues in the guild of professional scholars and teachers as well.

Finally, a word must be said about the format of the series. The layout, in clearly defined sections, has been consciously devised to assist readers at different levels. Those wishing to learn about the textual witnesses on which the translation is offered are invited to consult the section headed Notes. If the readers’ concern is with the state of modern scholarship on any given portion of Scripture, they should turn to the sections on Bibliography and Form/Structure/Setting. For a clear exposition of the passage’s meaning and its relevance to the ongoing biblical revelation, the Comment and concluding Explanation are designed expressly to meet that need. There is therefore something for everyone who may pick up and use these volumes.

If these aims come anywhere near realization, the intention of the editors will have been met, and the labor of our team of contributors rewarded.

General Editors: Bruce M. Metzger†

David A. Hubbard†

Glenn W. Barker†

Old Testament Editor: John D. W. Watts

Associate Editor: James W. Watts

New Testament Editor: Ralph P. Martin

Associate Editor: Lynn Allan Losie

Publisher’s Note

It is with great joy that Thomas Nelson brings you the concluding volume of David J. A. Clines’ definitive commentary on the book of Job.

The staff of Thomas Nelson would like to thank Professor Clines for his patience and graciousness as we worked to bring his exhaustive research to an eager audience. Professor Clines delivered the manuscript for Job 18B to Thomas Nelson in August of 2008. Due to unforeseen production issues and through no fault of Professor Clines, publication was delayed until October 2011.

We would like to thank Dr. Kevin A. Wilson of Upper Case Textual Services for stepping into the middle of the production process to rebuild lost files. We would also like to thank Melanie McQuere for her tireless work editing this final volume despite difficult circumstances.

Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Testimonia

This is the most singular Book in the whole of the Sacred Code: though written by the same inspiration, and in reference to the same end, the salvation of men, it is so different from every other book of the Bible, that it seems to possess nothing in common with them; for even the language, in its construction, is dissimilar from that in the Law, the Prophets, and the Historical Books. But on all hands it is accounted a work that contains the purest morality, the sublimest philosophy, the simplest ritual, and the most majestic creed.

Adam Clarke

Preface to his Commentary on the Bible (1813)

I call it, apart from all theories about it, one of the grandest things ever written with pen. . . . [S]uch a noble universality, different from noble patriotism or noble sectarianism, reigns in it. A noble Book; all men’s Book! It is our first, oldest statement of the never-ending Problem,—man’s destiny, and God’s way with him here in this earth. And all in such free flowing outlines; grand in its sincerity, in its simplicity; in its epic melody, and repose of reconcilement. Sublime sorrow, sublime reconciliation; oldest choral melody as of the heart of mankind;—so soft, and great; as the summer midnight, as the world with its seas and stars! There is nothing written, I think, in the Bible or out of it, of equal literary merit.

Thomas Carlyle

On Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History (1841)

The Book of Job is perhaps the Greatest Masterpiece of the Human Mind.

Victor Hugo (1802–1885)

The pencil of the Holy Ghost hath labored more in describing the afflictions of Job than the felicities of Solomon.

Francis Bacon (1561–1626)

Of Adversity

The greatest poem of ancient and modern times.

Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809–1892)

If you want a story of your own soul, it is perfectly done in the book of Job.

D. H. Lawrence (1885–1930)

The most tragic, sublime and beautiful expression of loneliness which I have ever read is the Book of Job.

Thomas Wolfe (1900–1938)

Nowhere in the world has the passion of anguish found such expression.

Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855)

Through the All-disposing providence of God, and the importunate call of not a few worthy friends, I began this Work; and now, after twenty-four years travel . . . I am come to the end of it; And truly, I might justly be reproved, at least, for dullness and indiligence, or counted a very slow-paced Traveller, had I spent that twenty-four years (the best of my time and strength) in measuring so short a journey. But, as I have to say towards an Apology for my over-long stay in this work, that I have had frequent diversions, for a considerable part of that time, quite from it; so the whole time which I have spent in it, hath been but a diversion, or time (I hope, honestly) stolen, either from my rest, or from that which was my more proper work.

And, now that I have, at last, ended what I began, all that I shall say of it, is, that I have ended it. Whether I began it well, or have ended it well, and whether or not the end be better than the beginning, is not for me to say.

Joseph Caryl

Preface to An Exposition with Practical Observations upon the Book of Job (1666)

Abbreviations

PERIODICALS, SERIALS, REFERENCE WORKS, AND COMMENTARIES

BIBLICAL (INCLUDING APOCRYPHAL) BOOKS

JEWISH LITERATURE

HEBREW GRAMMAR

Yahweh’s First Speech (38:1–40:2)

Bibliography: 38:1–40:2; 40:6–41:34 (26) (Yahweh’s Speeches)

Alonso Schökel, L. La respuesta de Dios. Conc 19/189 (1983) 392–402. Alter, Robert. The Voice from the Whirlwind [poetry of Job 38–41]. Commentary 77 (1984) 33–41 [see also rejoinder by Robert Gordis]. Amu, Ifeoma C. M. Voice from Heaven and Earth: A Literary and Conceptual Exploration between Job 3 and 38:1–41:34. Diss. Candler, Atlanta, 2000. Balentine, Samuel E.  ‘What are human beings, that you make so much of them?’ Divine Disclosure from the Whirlwind: ‘Look at Behemoth’. In God in the Fray: A Tribute to Walter Brueggemann. Ed. Tod Linafelt and Timothy K. Beal. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1998. 259–78. Bergfalk, Bradley J. When God Speaks: God and Nature in the Divine Speeches of Job. In To Hear and Obey: Essays in Honor of Fredrick Carlson Holmgren. Ed. Bradley K. Bergfalk and Paul E. Koptak. [= Covenant Quarterly 55 (1997)] 75–83. Bochart, Samuel. Hierozoicon sive bipartitum opus de animalibus Sacrae Scripturae. London: Thomas Roycroft, 1663. Boecker, H. J. Redeformen des Rechtslebens im Alten Testament. WMANT 14. Neukirchen–Vluyn: Neukirchener Verlag, 1964. Bonora, Antonio. Le ragioni di Giobbe e la ragione di Dio. Il discorso di Dio in Gb 38–42. Humanitas 48 (1993) 179–91. Brenner, Athalya. God’s Answer to Job. VT 31 (1981) 129–37. Brüning, C. Kleine Schule des Staunens. Die Gottesrede im Ijobbuch. Erbe und Auftrag 72 (1996) 385–413. Burrows, Millar. The Voice from the Whirlwind. JBL 47 (1928) 117–32. Clements, Ronald E. Wisdom. In It Is Written: Scripture Citing Scripture. Essays in Honour of Barnabas Lindars, SSF. Ed. D. A. Carson and H. G. M. Williamson. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988. 67–83. Dailey, Thomas F. Theophanic Bluster: Job and the Wind of Change [Job 38:1–42:6]. SR 22 (1993) 187–95. Dick, Michael B. The Neo-Assyrian Royal Lion Hunt and Yahweh’s Answer to Job. JBL 125 (2006) 243–70. Fadeji, Samuel Olaniran. A Critical and Interpretative Study of the Yahweh Speeches in Job 38–41. Diss. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1980. Fohrer, G. Gottes Antwort aus dem Sturmwind (Hi 38–41). TZ 18 (1962) 1–24 [= his Studien zum Buche Hiob (1956–1979). BZAW 159. Berlin: de Gruyter, 1963. 2nd ed., 1983. 114–34]. Fuchs, Gisela. Mythos und Hiobdichtung: Aufnahme und Umdeutung altorientalischer Vorstellungen. Stuttgart: W. Kohlhammer, 1993. 189–264. Gordis, Robert. The Lord out of the Whirlwind: The Climax and Meaning of Job. Judaism 13 (1964) 48–63. Gowan, Donald E. God’s Answer to Job: How Is It an Answer? HBT 8 (1986) 85–102. Greenstein, Edward L. A Forensic Understanding of the Speech from the Whirlwind. In Texts, Temples, and Traditions: A Tribute to Menahem Haran. Ed. Michael V. Fox, Victor Avigdor Hurowitz, and Avi Hurvitz. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 1996. 241–58. Han, Jin Hee. Yahweh Replies to Job: Yahweh’s Speeches in the Book of Job, A Case of Resumptive Rhetoric. Diss. Princeton Theological Seminary, 1988. Illman, Karl-Johan. Did God Answer Job? In "Lasset uns Brücken bauen . . ." Collected Communications to the XVth Congress of the International Organization for the Study of the Old Testament, Cambridge 1995. Ed. Klaus-Dietrich Schunck and Matthias Augustin. BEATAJ 42. Frankfurt a.M.: Peter Lang, 1998. 275–85. Jakubiec, C. Objawienie Boze w Ksiedze Hioba [The Theophany in the Book of Job]. RuBi 26 (1973) 248–61. Keel, Othmar. Jahwes Entgegnung an Ijob: Eine Deutung von Ijob 38–41 vor dem Hintergrund der zeitgenössischen Bildkunst. FRLANT 121. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1978 [= Dieu répond à Job: une interprétation de Job 38–41 à la lumière de l’iconographie du Proche-Orient ancien. Paris: Cerf, 1993]. Keel, Othmar, and Max Küchler. Wilde Tiere. In their Orte und Landschaften der Bibel: Ein Handbuch und Studien- Reiseführer zum Heiligen Land. Zurich: Benziger; Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1982. 1:143–64. Kegler, Jürgen.  ‘Gürte wie ein Mann deine Lenden! . . .’: Die Gottesreden im Ijob-Buch als Aufforderung zur aktiven Auseinandersetzung mit dem Leid. In Nachdenken über Israel, Bibel und Theologie. Festschrift für Klaus-Dietrich Schunck zu seinem 65. Geburtstag. Ed. H. Michael Niemann, Matthias Augustin, and Werner H. Schmidt. BEATAJ 37. Frankfurt a.M.: Peter Lang, 1994. 217–34. Köhlmoos, Melanie. Das Auge Gottes: Textstrategie im Hiobbuch. FAT 25. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 1999. 66–68, 321–54. Kubina, Veronica. Die Gottesreden in Buche Hiob. Ein Beitrag zur Diskussion um die Einheit von Hiob 38, 1–42, 6. FrThSt 115. Freiburg i.Br.: Herder, 1979. Kutsch, Ernst. Unschuldsbekenntnis und Gottesbegegnung. Der Zusammenhang zwischen Hiob 31 und 38ff. In his Kleine Schriften zum Alten Testament. Ed. Ludwig Schmidt and Karl Eberlein. BZAW 168. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 1986. 308–35. Lang, Bernhard. Ein Kranker sieht seinen Gott. Leidenswelt und Leidenswende im Buch Ijob [38–41]. In Der Mensch unter dem Kreuz: Wegweisung, Erfahrungen, Hilfen. Ed. Reinhold Bärenz. Regensburg: Pustet, 1980. 35–48 [= Ein Kranker sieht seinen Gott. In Bernhard Lang. Wie wird man Prophet in Israel? Aufsätze zum Alten Testament. Düsseldorf: Patmos Verlag, 1980. 137–48]. Lévêque, Jean. L’interprétation des discours de YHWH (Job 38, 1–42, 6). In The Book of Job. Ed. W. A. M. Beuken. BETL 114. Leuven: Leuven University Press, 1994. 203–22. Lillie, William. The Religious Significance of the Theophany in the Book of Job. ExpT 68 (1956–57) 355–58. Luc,