The Book of Job: A Commentary

by Norman C. Habel

In this volume, Norman Habel takes on the humbling task of writing a commentary on such a classic work as the book of Job--a text that is complex and unclear at many points. The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity

588 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1985

Reviews

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d have to rank this commentary as one of the best in the Old Testament Library (OTL) series. Whether it be on the level of theology or commentary. Norman Habel succeeds. He had written earlier on the Book of Job, but supersedes all his previous efforts here. Even better, this book is more conservative than several others in this series.

The Introduction is more in-depth (70 pages!) than several others in the series too. It rivals more exegetical works in that regard. He begins his Introduction by not disguising that he agrees with others who see Job as a literary masterpiece. He explains, too, the challenge of Job having so many unique words and idioms. He provides a lengthy explanation of the narrative plot and sees three main movements. In his discussion of integrity, setting, and date, he see the major place a critical orientation shows up–his willingness to rearrange chapters 21-28. His literary features and their significance section gives much food for thought in structural issues. He finishes his probing analysis in a message and meaning section.

The commentary proper is rich in theological insight. I look forward to having this volume at my disposal in all my future studies on the Book of Job. I would categorize it as indispensable to building a library for Bible study!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Adam Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The standard one-volume commentary on the book of Job. Habel helpfully goes through the text providing insight into many aspects of the book. I will name a couple things I found helpful. Habel draws attention to the shift in form of address of God (El, Elohim, Eloah, Shaddai, etc.) and keeps the original Hebrew name in his translation to express it. This is useful since Job peculiarly uses Eloah and Shaddai, having more uses of both those names than the rest of the Bible combined. Another good point Habel brings up are the "Oh that" statements Job uses in the book which express significant wishes he has. These denote major hopes Job has in the light of the dialogue.

[Wm. Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough and well researched, with his translation. He pushes the legal narrative excessively, but one of the best available.

[David Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary. Very informative. I will always use this book as s good reference. Easy to read and understand as most commentaries I find are to wordy with large words that are difficult, not this commentary, its down to earth and expounded to teach the laity.

[Toby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, standard commentary on the book of Job.

[Gerhard Venter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theological subject literature. Should be torture to anyone not interested in the subject.