Job

[Dunecat]

I've been studying a great deal about the book of Job, lately. I find it one of the more interesting books of the bible for it's construction and obvious messages.

Job was one of the first books of the bible written, along with the Pentateuch in around 1500 bce. It was placed with the wisdom books in the Christian bible because it is debated as to the reality of it's story. It's entirely possible that it was a play, either based on real events, or not at all. This is because of the structure of the play, and how it relates to entertainment back in it's day. In the first 2 chapters you have all these events happening with Job, and the dialog between "the devil" and God the Father. It could be translated into a 4-hour movie with today with a little twisting. But that's a small fraction of the rest of the book, which is basically 4 men talking.

Job, Elip., Bild., and Zaph. all have a discussion after these events occur. This goes on for many chapters, after which Elihu comes along to give his take on it, which reaffirms Job. Now, 2 things. First is that is unlikely that these events literally transpired, as it is more likely that, since this format of events followed by monologues fits the standard structure of entertainment in their day, the book of Job is a play-based work. Second, it is often said that Elihu's testimony was added in later from a scribe in a later addition, since God never comments on him, only the other four. However, I personally do not agree with this. And here is why.

If I'm talking with a group of friends about a subject topic in class, and a random passerby juts in and affirms my message from a different point of view, it's still my message relevant to the members of the formed conversation. So when, say, the professor of that class strolls by and sets us straight by saying "JT you're right, you other 3 are wrong", and ignoring the person innocently observing, it can be correlated to God supporting Job, and ignoring Elihu.

I don't know.

I just found what I learned today fascinating, and wanted to share a little.

What do ya'll think?

[Feliks]

I'm still amazed by the fact that it's pronounced differently than job.

I kind of like the older books of the Bible, they have great quotable passages. (Yes, someone saw Pulp Fiction today)

[Ummon]

Original, but for many reasons, I don't think this in any way relates to its meaning.