How to Read Job

Tremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He is the author or coauthor of over thirty books, including How to Read the Psalms, How to Read Proverbs, Literary Approaches to Biblical Interpretation, and Old Testament Essentials.

John H. Walton is professor emeritus of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School. His many books include The Lost World of Genesis One and Wisdom for Faithful Reading.

This readable volume questions many traditional answers to Job. It also provides important perspectives on the book's interpretation. It is an excellent starting point for the reader of this great literary masterpiece of the Bible.
-Richard S. Hess,
Earl S. Kalland Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages

The book of Job is a weighty read at just about every level, from its language to its theology. Walton and Longman's How to Read Job is a helpful training manual for the task. Their treatment of the discrete interpretive issues is clear and concise. Taken as a whole, their individual discussions guide the reader of Job from an understanding of the book in its ancient context to its Christian application as Scripture. Walton and Longman take unequivocal interpretive stances on various of the book's conundrums, and they provide questions to prompt the reader to further reflection. The best feature of this short primer on the book of Job is that it draws one to read the book of Job itself rather than substituting lengthy commentary for the biblical text. Students, pastors and laity can all benefit from this delightfully accessible invitation to the book of Job.
-John A. Cook,
Asbury Theological Seminary

Walton and Longman, two seasoned commentators on Job, argue that readers should redirect their efforts from seeking in its pages reasons for human suffering to instead recognizing the lesson to trust in a sovereign God within the incongruities of life. The pious may not understand their painful lot, but assurance and rest come in accepting the wisdom of the Almighty. Thoughtful and accessible, this is a welcome addition to the How To Read series.
-M. Daniel Carroll R.,
Distinguished Professor of Old Testament, Denver Seminary

"The authors of this book know the real Job, and they address several of the main issues of the book that bears his name. Besides the book's literary composition and rhetorical function, these issues include: the characterization of God portrayed in the book; the identity and function of Satan; the question of retribution; the visitors and their advice; theodicy or the justice of God; the possibility of an afterlife; and the perception of the cosmos. These profound questions are treated in avery readable fashion. Questions at the end of each chapter suggest that the book can be used for group study. It is highly recommended for the non-scholarly reader."

The Bible Today, March 2016

"Walton and Longman, two seasoned commentators on Job, argue that readers should redirect their efforts from seeking in its pages reasons for human suffering to instead recognizing the lesson to trust in a sovereign God within the incongruities of life. The pious may not understand their painful lot, but assurance and rest come in accepting the wisdom of the Almighty. Thoughtful and accessible, this is a welcome addition to the How To Read series."

M. Daniel Carroll R., Distinguished Professor of Old Testament, Denver Seminary

"The book of Job is a weighty read at just about every level, from its language to its theology. Walton and Longman's How to Read Job is a helpful training manual for the task. Their treatment of the discrete interpretive issues is clear and concise. Taken as a whole, their individual discussions guide the reader of Job from an understanding of the book in its ancient context to its Christian application as Scripture. Walton and Longman take unequivocal interpretive stances on various of the book's conundrums, and they provide questions to prompt the reader to further reflection. The best feature of this short primer on the book of Job is that it draws one to read the book of Job itself rather than substituting lengthy commentary for the biblical text. Students, pastors and laity can all benefit from this delightfully accessible invitation to the book of Job."

John A. Cook, Asbury Theological Seminary