The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job

by C.J. Williams, Richard C. Gamble (Foreword)

The Book of Job has been a rich source of truth and comfort for its readers throughout the ages, but the crowning glory of this book is the prophetic testimony it bears to the sufferings that Jesus Christ would endure as the savior of his people. The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job examines the historical character of Job as a typological figure, whose experience of suffering leading to glory was meant to portray the work of Christ, and provide assurance and comfort to all who bear affliction in faith. --A winsome invitation to navigate a 'Messianic trajectory' involving 'the man from Uz, ' this fresh study from C.J. Williams links such theological concepts as typology and Christology together with illustrative images like a covered bridge--actual and depicted. Anchored firmly in theology yet breathing with clarity, this pleasant volume shows how Job's vicissitudes of life echo in anticipation of the Christ who descended from heavenly privilege only to be taken once again into eternal glory.-- --Jonathan M. Watt, Professor of Biblical Studies, Geneva College and the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary C.J. Williams is Professor of Old Testament Studies at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and Pastor of Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He holds a PhD in Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern Civilization from Towson University, Maryland. He and his wife, Sherri, have five children and reside in Clairton, Pennsylvania.

112 pages, Paperback

Published March 10, 2017

About the author

Librarian Note: There are multiple authors by this name in the GR database.

Reviews

[Abigail Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've been using some of this book's themes in an adult Sunday School class on biblical hermeneutics and typology, so I decided to go ahead and get it for myself. Up till now I've had a soft spot for the book of Job -- or at least aspects of it, because I'll be the first to admit that a) I don't really 'get' poetry and so b) most of the central dialogue has me like 'hubbawhaaaaa---?' (Um, Job, why are we talking about egg whites?) But some of my favorite songs are drawn from Job: Fernando Ortega's 'I Will Wait for My Change' and 'Hear Me Calling, Great Redeemer,' and Michael Card's 'Job Suite.' I think the book has some of the most lyrical and powerful quotes in all the Old Testament. But I'd never considered Job through the lens of typology before or seen him as a prefiguring of Christ, embodying the innocent suffering the Messiah would undergo in order to be the perfect priest for His people ('though He was a Son, He learned obedience by the things He suffered'). Williams' book and our class have helped break open this facet of what has previously been to me a rather mysterious book of the Bible.

The Shadow of Christ is a very short read: not a verse-by-verse commentary but a brief overview of typological themes in Job that could easily be read as a devotional. Williams doesn't go into all of his points in detail and certainly doesn't exhaust the book; there were some things that I either disagreed with or thought he could have spent more time explaining and defending. (Sorry, still Team Elihu here: very much not convinced we're supposed to view him as yet another 'bad guy' making the same tired arguments as Job's three friends.) But the overall drive of the book -- to see Job and his sufferings as a prophetic embodiment of the Redeemer whom Job himself longs to see -- was incredibly eye-opening and uplifting. I felt it gave me a fresh perspective not just on Job, but on the role of suffering in God's redemptive plan and in our lives as believers.

[Hobart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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Just some quick thoughts on a quick read...

Williams begins this brief book with a chapter on typology, what is it and why should we use it. Essentially, his definition of a type is: a living prophecy concerning God's promised (centering on Jesus) for the benefit of God's people throughout the ages. Which is a pretty handy definition, made more so by the rest of his discussion.

That accomplished, Williams applies it to the book of Job, and its central figure. Essentially, he gives a chronological survey over 10 chapters showing the typology involved. I found these chapters refreshing in their perspective, and instructive for how to look at other biblical texts in the same light. The last chapter, "What the Book of Job Means Today," applies it to the Christian reader, what can his takeaway be from the book as he seeks sanctification, which was pretty helpful.

This is not a commentary on Job (I'd love to read one in this vein, especially by Williams), he's brief by design. I think he could've been slightly less brief without making the book inaccessible or too involved. This brevity frequently frustrating -- he'll give an idea in a sentence, or disagree with a thought in a sentence, that could easily have been a paragraph (the latter was more annoying to me). Just a little more development of some of these ideas would've greatly improved the book.

A helpful way of seeing how typology can be faithfully utilized, as well as a reminder of the character of our Lord seen in the lives of His saints. A good use of an hour or two of your time.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explained simply that Job is a prophetic type of Christ, exhibiting prophetic priestly kingship throughout the philosophical debates with friends, eventually settled by God’s direct special revelation. It’s a joy to read from a theologian who can distill commentaries into points understood by normal people. Job is more than an example of suffering, he’s an early type of the Suffering Servant. He’s confused about his role in the suffering but not about God’s right to deal sovereignly with him. Satan is humiliated (‘your prowling on earth didn’t turn Job from me’), friends’ miserable self-serving theology is forcibly repudiated, and there’s a happy ending w/ sacrifice. What’s not to like?

[Zack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very helpful read on the big picture of Job, presenting a compelling typological reading of Job’s person and situation. However, Williams is very down on Elihu. I would have given 4 stars but for the harsh take on Elihu.

[David Monreal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provocative Premise

Williams argues that Job is an Old Testament type of Christ. Although not presented like this and not mentioned as a type in the New Testament, Williams strings together many evidences to make his case. I need to review my notes and reflect more to decide if Job is an intentional prefigurement or the suffering of the Messiah. Regardless, there was a lot to learn from the book about Job’s suffering, the suffering of Jesus, and our suffering in Christ.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Job is a large and complex book, and many large and complex commentaries have been written on it. Many attempt to reduce the book to one main idea and to arrange all of their comments around that idea. Williams, on the other hand, recognizes the complexity of the book, but has decided to focus on one aspect that has received little attention. The result is a short, but profound study of the Christological significance of the Book of Job. Highly recommended.

[Renee Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the title of the first chapter.... I thought Uh-Oh.... However that was the first and last time I had that thought. Dr. Williams takes you through his thoughts, assertions, and proofs smoothly and with ease. Even for a layman with limited knowledge, I found this book very interesting, enjoyable and I learned a great deal.... highly recommended!!

[Zac Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The arguments are clear, convincing, and concise. I give it my highest recommendation.

[Jacob Bier · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book is a helpful typology of the book of Job, it could've been a lot shorter.