Job (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary)

by Samuel E. Balentine

The book of Job is considered by many to be the crown jewel of biblical literature in its claim to speak about God. The word that defines the challenge for every reader of the book is ?struggle.? The struggle results from the fact that whatever Job's truth may be, he was neither the first nor the last to try to articulate it. In the midst of so many words in this world about God from writers within and outside the scriptural witness, this book offers a truly astonishing declaration about what it means to live in a world where order breaks down and chaos runs amok, where the innocent suffer and the wicked thrive, where cries for help go unanswered. This new commentary by biblical scholar Samuel Balentine leads readers on an in-depth and far-reaching look at the nature of the book of Jo & and the various attempts by the many who have sought to further explore Job's essential struggle.

Genres: Biblical Studies

750 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balentine give thorough Biblical exegesis, considerable theological reflection, and penetrating insight into what it means to be human. Ballentine opens the reader to possibilities in the book of Job not previously considered. This is not just a commentary, though it is that. This is a work of theology that puts the reader directly in the path of God's gaze, demanding the reader describe the experience, but not dictating what that experience will be.

[Benedict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty to say about the wisdom gleaned from this, but suffice to say, I found this to be a great commentary. I flagged dozens of passages as having insight for reading Job, for thinking theologically, or for connecting Job to other aspects of life, literature, or history. I also marked a few dozen places as being possible starting points for blog entries.

I read this with a clergy Bible study and we plan to continue using the Smyth and Helwys series. It had a perspective that expanded possibilities, rather than defending a consolidated interpretation of the book, and when the author did commit to a perspective, he usually explained what else was out there and why he interpreted it thus. There were one or two chapters that seemed less-engaging, though frankly, that may be because the material from Job they were covering already was. All in all, I heartily endorse this volume, and I'm excited to move on to others in this commentary series, though I suppose I'll have to read a few more before acclaiming it as a whole.

Four stars for being a masterfully-executed work in the genre (since I try to reserve my five-star ratings for life-changing or genre-changing reads).

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly good resource for a difficult biblical book. Balentine has identified a plethora of illustrations that can be used in conversation with the book of Job. As such, this is a great book for preachers to have. The writing is great, although the book could've used a more careful eye for detail (editorial errors abound). This book pushes the reader to come face to face with the harsh realities that Job addresses - the harsh realities we all face in everyday life.

[Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply one of the best. Outstanding.