The Pious Sage in Job: Eliphaz in the Context of Wisdom Theodicy

Due to the complexity of the speech-cycles in the book of Job scholars have struggled to resolve interpretive tensions in the authors characterization of Jobs three friends. This book focuses on the significance of the ancient Near Eastern social and wisdom contexts for understanding the role that Eliphaz the leading sage-counselor fulfills in Job. Given the likely Edomite provenance of Eliphaz and the archaeological evidence linking the respective Israelite and Edomite schools of wisdom Eliphaz articulates a polished wisdom tradition the epitome of a worldview shared by Job prior to his calamity. Beyond a simplistic retribution perspective Eliphaz draws from and refines each of the established sources of wisdom--experience tradition and revelation--to ground his counsel and censure of Job. Although Eliphaz is expected to exemplify the role of distinguished counselor-advocate in leading Job out of suffering into reconciliation with God his ineffectual efforts highlight a significant purpose for the book of Job. The Joban author masterfully undermines conventional wisdom theodicy by exposing its inadequacy to reconcile the suffering of the righteous with divine compassion and sovereignty. The Pious Sage in Job stimulates the mind with a wide-ranging analysis of Eliphazs role in the Book of Job. Dunham masterfully leads us step by step to the exegesis of salient portions of Eliphazs speeches and their compelling theological implications. No student of the Book of Job can afford to neglect this significant contribution to serious Joban studies. --William D. Barrick Professor of Old Testament (Retired) The Masters Seminary Even though the book of Job plays an essential role in the theology of the Bible it also offers many challenges to an interpreter of Scripture. Through his insightful consideration of Job Kyle Dunham has provided students of Scripture with a great resource. His pursuit of the place of Eliphaz in the message of Job sheds helpful light on ones understanding of this challenging yet important biblical book. --Michael A. Grisanti Lead Professor of Old Testament The Masters Seminary The Pious Sage in Job makes a scholarly contribution for understanding Eliphaz in the Context of Wisdom Theodicy. . . . [T]his work is perhaps the most comprehensive discussion of the reception history of Eliphaz. This is a welcome addition for Joban studies. --Robert V. McCabe Professor of Old Testament Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary Job is a tremendous resource for helping hurting people. Its wisdom though is only mined by careful study especially regarding the role of Jobs friends. Kyle Dunham has provided a rich helpful resource for understanding how Gods wisdom is exalted in Job. If you love the masterpiece of wisdom literature which is Job this book will help you read it more profitably. --David M. Doran President Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary Kyle C. Dunham is the Associate Professor of Old Testament at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the co-author of a forthcoming commentary on Ecclesiastes in the Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series.