How to Read Job (How to Read Series)

Walton and Longman have produced a very insightful and readable introduction to Job, one of the more difficult books in the Canon. This book forced me to think through many of the key issues in the book of Job. A great starting point is realizing that Job is not ultimately a book about suffering, but a book about God's policies in how he runs his creation. They make that point very strongly and it was a great observation. If you don't know what Job is about, you'll never come to any right conclusions about it.They stake out a number of controversial positions which will surely upset some.1. Job should be read as a parable and not as history.2. The Satan of Job 1-2 is not the same as the Satan of the New Testament.3. Job has no concept of eternal life as Christians conceive it through the later revelation of the New Testament.4. Against the more fundamentalist types, they argue that Job is not describing the water cycle and Leviathan and Behemoth are not dinosaurs.You might have just read that list and decided there is no reason you should read this book. If so, I might gently challenge you to reconsider ... Walton and Longman make their case for their positions gently and respectfully. And even if you believe they are wrong (I had many disagreements with them) it is worthwhile to hear what the other side is saying so you can more correctly understand why you disagree.This book was written to be read by the average church-goer. There is no expectation that the reader will know Hebrew or have a seminary degree. Your understanding of the book of Job will surely be much fuller as a result.

I love the book of Job; it demonstrates to me that God has broad shoulders and can handle even the most angry and insolent of my complaints--I believe He inspired those who selected the biblical canon to include this book for that reason (in part). To my knowledge, no other faith has sacred scriptures that depict heroes decrying their god(s) to this degree. Walton and Longman are brilliant at depicting the literary environment and structure of the Book of Job. Their explanations of each element, character, dialog and meaning are essential reading for any who, like me, seek a better understanding of Job, of this book and of the God who allowed him to be tested to prove His own sovereignty, patience and mercy. Suffering can be horrific and bring out the worst in mankind, including (perhaps especially) believers. Walton and Longman depict a meaning in the meaninglessness of human suffering (hint: it's not necessarily what we may think). I highly recommend ANY Walton book, including How to Read Job, for those genuinely interested in hearing truths that may shatter our naivete while re-building our faith in God as He is and continually, though often surrepticiously, reveals Himself to be.

This is an introduction, not a commentary, on Job, but it's just as helpful. I used it in a doctoral class, and as a conservative Evangelical, it gave me much to think about how to read Job within an ANE context.

Job is a fascinating book for many reasons. Walton and Longman brought to me a new and unexpected perspective that revolutionized my understanding of the book and consequently brought a deeper understanding of God, which of course is the point of bible study. Do not hesitate to buy this or any book by John Walton or Tremper Longman.

A terrific and easy to follow - most of the time - introduction into the major people, themes, and applications of the Book of Job. If you're interested in Job or other "wisdom" literature, this is a good book to read out of the gate. Definitely evangelical in nature although they do present issues that cause many in the evangelical world to scratch their collective heads.

Enjoying reading this book. It is insightful to the organization of the book of Job.

For me it was a pleasure to read it it make sense from the beginning to the end.

Very helpful for a meaningful study of Job.

A brilliant, clear outline and detailed analysis of the Book of Job. I can certainly recommend this book for anyone seeking to start out on an in depth study of Job, How to Read will give one a framework within to study which will guide each reader through the complexities, clarify the enigmas and add to the enjoyment of study.

Un recurso indispensable para llegar a compresiones más profundas.

What an eye openning book is this!!!