1. Survey of the Old Testament
Chapter 21
Job

2. The Writing of the Book The Background
Unified composition of wisdom literature
Speeches by Elihu are most contested section
Unified structure argues for integrity of each section
The Background
Similar to wisdom literature from the ANE
Man and His God, Ludlul bel Nemeqi, and The Babylonian Theodicy
Job shows higher level of sophistication
Photo: "… Amid disquieting dreams in the night… fear and trembling seized me" (Job 4:12-14). Gilgamesh, the ancient hero, was also troubled by dreams and sought their interpretation, since they were considered to be communication from the gods. This tablet records the dream of Gilgamesh.

3. Purpose and Message To explore God's policies concerning justice
God's policies toward the righteous do not hinder true righteousness
Photo: "Your hands shaped and made me… Remember that you molded me like clay" (Job 10:8-9). Across the ancient Near East it was commonly understood that people had been made of clay. Here the Egyptian god Khnum shapes people on his potter's wheel.

4. Structure and Organization
Prologue
Three dialogue cycles
Hymn to wisdom
Three discourses
Epilogue
Photo: "Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm" (Job 38:1). Storm gods like this Hittite one were well known in the ancient world.

5. Major Themes The Retribution Principle: Part 1
The Wisdom, Justice, and Sovereignty of God
Mediator
Photo: "Can you pull in the leviathan with a fishhook or tie down his tongue with a rope?" (Job 41:1). The leviathan was a fearsome creature of the sea believed to live in the primordial waters.