Faculty Publications

Does Eliphaz Really Begin "Gently"? An Intertextual Reading Of Job 4: 2-11

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Biblica

Volume

95

Issue

3

First Page

347

Last Page

370

Abstract

It is widely believed that the Joban poet presents Eliphaz as seeking to reassure Job in his first speech. and only later accuses him of wrongdoing. One prominent exegete. tbr example. remarks that Eliphaz "begins considerately, and proceeds with notable gentleness and courtesy" (Terrien). In this paper I propose that Eliphaz's opening words are neither gentle nor reassuring. Instead. they are a sharp intertextual response to Job's complaints that he can find no "rest" (3,26) and that what he "feared has come upon him" (3.25). In essence. Eliphaz is implying that Job has brought his suffering on himself.

Department

Department of Philosophy and World Religions

Original Publication Date

1-1-2014

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