EBTC Job
Job reveals a God we can trust, even in our darkest moments. Barry G. Webb explores the book of Job as a reflection on the paradox of righteous suffering. Job confronts the troubling issues that life throws at us as we try to live in trusting obedience to God. Wisdom shows us how to live in relation to God when we don’t have answers for all of life’s problems. With detailed exegesis and biblical-theological synthesis, Webb explores Job’s unique theology of creation, evil, wisdom, justice, redemption, and God’s character, tracing these themes across the canon.
About the Author:
Barry G. Webb is senior research fellow emeritus in Old Testament at Moore Theological College in Newtown, Australia, and author of several commentaries, including The Book of Judges (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) and Five Festal Garments: Christian Reflections on the Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther (New Studies in Biblical Theology).
The EBTC Job Commentary written by Barry G. Webb offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Job. He does this while shedding light on one of the most profound and enigmatic texts in the Bible. Webb skillfully navigates Job with ease as he discusses poetic dialogues, highlighting the nuances in language, literary devices, and cultural references.
All good things are still the gifts of our generous Creator, who provides for them for our enjoyment. But the gift must never be allowed to take precedence in our affection over the Giver, and our great need of what he sent Jesus to give us.
One of the things I enjoyed about this commentary is the emphasis that while Satan seemly has the power to do all that he pleases, he first has to ask the Lord before he does anything to Job. Another strength of this commentary is that Webb engages with the central themes of suffering, God’s justice, and the human response. Webb does not shy away from the complexities of this text, but instead, he offers the reader different perspectives while guiding the reader through various interpretations with key attention to detail.
Satan is given executive power to penetrate the protective hedge God has placed around Job, to take away every good thing God has given him, and leave him utterly destitute. But with that permission comes a limitation: “However, do not lay a hand on Job himself.” In other words, Satan’s power, real though it is, remains subordinate to God’s absolute power.
Webb’s commentary is a resource for anyone who is seeking a deeper understanding of the Book of Job. Through exegesis, theological insights, and contemporary relevance Webb crafts a beautiful commentary that is an easy read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the book of Job. There are areas that can be difficult for certain audiences to understand because of the depth but for those who are willing to take the time to dive into this commentary, they will undoubtedly be rewarded with a new appreciation of the complexities and key themes of Job.
I was not paid to write a positive review. My thoughts are my own.
