The Book of Job

The New International Commentary on the Old Testament

by John E. Hartley

“In the Old Testament we read God’s word as it was spoken to his people Israel. Today, thousands of years later, we hear in these thirty-nine books his inspired and authoritative message for us.”

These twin convictions, shared by all of the contributors to The New International Commentary on the Old Testament, define the goal of this ambitious series of commentaries. For those many modern readers who find the Old Testament to be strange and foreign soil, the NICOT series serves as an authoritative guide bridging the cultural gap between today’s world and the world of ancient Israel. Each NICOT volume aims to help us hear God’s word as clearly as possible.

Scholars, pastors, and serious Bible students will welcome the fresh light that this commentary series casts on ancient yet familiar biblical texts. The contributors apply their proven scholarly expertise and wide experience as teachers to illumine our understanding of the Old Testament. As gifted writers, they present the results of the best recent research in an interesting manner.

Each commentary opens with an introduction to the biblical book, looking especially at questions concerning its background, authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. A select bibliography also points readers to resources for their own study. The author’s own translation from the original Hebrew forms the basis of the commentary proper. Verse-by-verse comments nicely balance in-depth discussions of technical matters — textual criticism, critical problems, and so on — with exposition of the biblical writer’s theology and its implications for the life of faith today.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Christian, Theology, Religion, Old Testament, Biblical Studies

561 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 1988

Reviews

[Steven Azzara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Clines’ commentary was far more technical, and had more insight, this commentary by Hartley is very good. The layout is far superior than Clines’. I was expecting this commentary to be introductory but it wasn’t. Hartley offers a lot of insight. This commentary is easy to read because of the layout (citations appear after the chapter). So, if you want a great commentary on Job but also want to save money for other books, go with Hartley. But if money isn’t an option, then Clines’ three volume set on Job is recommended.

[Samcwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t my favorite commentary on Job, but it’s a solid one. Hartley writes from an evangelical perspective as part of the NICOT series. Hartley’s commentary is solidly within the scholarly mainstream and he does of good job of including footnotes that point to the Hebrew in addition to synthesizing and building on the work of past commentators.

[Eric Yap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best one-volume commentary on Job I've read so far. Extremely readable, organises most of the textual translation issues in the footnotes, and blends the exegetical, theological, and pastoral perspectives really well. Really appreciate that Hartley will conclude each section with a summary, so the readers will not get lost in the heated debate between Job and his friends, intensified with wisdom and poetic sayings that are primarily familiar to those in the ANE settings.

[Vicki Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciate the layman sensitivity the author showed. I am not a calvinist and the author clearly is. However, I very much appreciate the authors willingness to present facts, the linguistics and the context while letting the reader explore and learn without his opinions or dogma. I took over 125 pages of notes and learned so much. Thank you

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

a super interesting, informative, and conservative interpretation

[Martin Manchego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing, the most complete commentary I have read. Difficult to read but worthy.

[Jeff Ragan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look into both the book of Job and ancient Jewish literature as well.

[Vanjr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A conservative commentary on Job of moderate plus depth. Focuses on the Hebrew text, includes textual difficulties. I highly recommend this to anyone who has not studied the book of Job and desires to understand this fascinating ancient text.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mix of Hebrew textual study and commentary on the verses themselves. Conservative on its interpretation.

[Bfleegs · Rating 2 out of 5]

An excellent commentary on the book of Job. Hartley interacts constantly with the original text and goes to great lengths in his attempts at textual criticism, although some of his conclusions seem to be a bit strained. He well points out and follows the major themes of the book, and his summaries following every section aid the reader's understanding of the book's development. Additionally, his wide understanding of ANE customs and literature are indispensable to the discussion.