Book Details
Job 1-20
Job 21-37
Volume 18B is devoted entirely to the response of the Lord from the tempest to Job, together with the replies of Job (Job 38–42), presenting the Lord's own explanation of his manifold purposes in creation and bringing to an unexpected conclusion Job's dramatic quest for justice.
Difficult portions of the Hebrew text are thoroughly handled, but the commentary is written for the non-technical reader and scholar alike. Clines uncovers the driving force of the argument and the drama of the book. The Explanation sections at the end of each chapter brilliantly summarize the views of the speakers and offer thoughtful reflections on their theological value.
The volume concludes with a unique 250-page bibliography of virtually everything that has been written about the Book of Job, including its influence on art, music and literature.
Job 38-42
Pages: 480 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2009
ISBN-10: 0785252673
ISBN-13: 9780785252672
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2009
ISBN-10: 0785252673
ISBN-13: 9780785252672
Reviews
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If nothing else, read Clines’s “Explanation” sections for a profound theological response to the book.
An outstandingly comprehensive introduction to the Book of Job and exegesis of ch. 1-20. The only issue I have with this volume is the Word biblical commentary format, which isn't user friendly at the best of times. In this case pages and pages of bibliography (even more than many other volumes in the series) interspersed throughout instead at the end of the book gets in the way. Parenthetical notations instead of footnotes makes finding the great stuff which is there difficult underneath the citations and data which should be in footnotes.
The experts all agree that Cline’s contributions to the WBC is the best available on Job. It spans three large volumes, so is not for the faint-of-heart. Derek Thomas says, “This is the most comprehensive commentary available. … Cline deserves to be read thoroughly, though there are times when he is irritatingly defensive on Christological implications in the ‘big texts’ in Job.” [Full Review]
This is the most comprehensive commentary on Job 1-20 available. Volumes 2 and 3 are still pending. Clines deserves to be read thoroughly, though there are times when he is irritatingly defensive on Christological implications in the 'big' texts in Job. For a summary, consult his commentary in the New Bible Commentary, 21st Century Edition, pp. 459-484.
As readers of this series of blog posts will know, I find the layout of the Word Biblical Commentaries a bit exasperating. However, some of the commentaries in the series are so good that it is worth the effort to deal with the poor editorial decisions of the publisher. Clines' commentary on Job is one of those works. Although it is not yet complete (the final volume will cover chapters 38-41 and include extensive indexes), this is the best commentary available on the book. Clines is one of those commentators who realizes the necessity of dealing not only with the minutiae of the text, but with the big picture as well. It is a more technical commentary, but those who take the time to work through it will be rewarded. Very highly recommended. [Full Review]
Remarkable study in its detail, with profound reflection on the implications of the rhetoric. [Full Review]
Remarkable study in its detail, with profound reflection on the implications of the rhetoric. [Full Review]
