Abstract:
Perceived disruptions between the poetic and prose genres in the book of Job often lead to
deconstruction or deconstructive readings of the text. In this article the broad outlines of a
possible reconstructive reading are sketched. This revolves around research results regarding
the principles inherent to God’s address to Job in chapters 38–41. The transformation of Job is
shown by comparing his earlier prosperity in the prologue, which he lost, and the description
of his newly found prosperity in the epilogue. It will be argued that the epilogue is an
essential part of the whole book, and serves to illustrate that Job was indeed transformed by
the principles unveiled by the Voice from within the storm. This transformation led to a life
which is characterised by its fullness and satisfactory conclusion.
Description:
This article represents
a theological reflection
on the Faculty Research
Theme (FRT) of the Faculty
of Theology, University of
Pretoria, entitled Ecodomy –
Life in its fullness. The
theme is portrayed from
the perspective of various
theological disciplines. A
conference on this theme
was held on 27–28 October
2014.
