Human Consciousness of God in the Book of Job: A Theological and Psychological Commentary

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Human Consciousness of God is the first commentary on the book of Job to trace Job's relationship with God in a work of universal sprituality. The most important - and unique - element in Jeffrey Boss' approach is his examination of Job from a psychological perspective. However the work also takes into account the history of interpretation of the book, giving due attention to questions surrounding the text's coherence, authorship and provenance.

It is, at the same time, a valuable new commentary on the Hebrew Masoretic Text of Job. The book opens with an introduction enabling those unfamiliar with the book of Job, or with recent scholarship to appreciate it and engage with it. Then follows the full commentary which draws attention to the development of Job's character and his relationship with God. Finally the author presents his conclusions following the work together with a detailed bibliography.

Reviews

"A commentary-style approach to Job that it at once thoroughly scholarly and very readable. Boss's psychological perspective and his interest in the history of interpretation both stand out as distinctive approaches. Those readers who come to Job looking for spiritual sustenance and modern-day relevance will find this book stimulating and challenging." Katharine Dell, Senior Lecturer in Old Testament Studies, Christ's College, University of Cambridge, UK
Jeffrey Boss's work on Job shows how fruitful rabbinic sources can be when applied in a close reading of a biblical book. His work is scholarly and very learned, and advances a distinctive position that needs to be taken account of by all readers of Job. A new and distinctive voice in biblical studies.' John Barton, FBA, Oriel & Laing Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture, University of Oxford -- John Barton
Perhaps the greatest blessing will be that, in working through this commentary, you will spend time in a wonderful, but sadly neglected, part of Scripture.' -- thegoodbookstall.org.uk
This book should serve as a welcome invitation for others to join the dialogue and explore the issue further.' -- Review of Biblical Literature
Any serious study of Job and the issues it raises cannot afford to ignore this superb study * Church Times *
A highlight of the book is the interaction with the history of interpretation especially that of rabbinic sources often overlooked by Evangelicals...Boss does well, as opposed to many modern commentaries, to emphasize the role of the character of wisdom in the book...Boss does a fine job in helping the reader be drawn into the mind of Job as he struggles through his journey. Thus, he accomplishes his goal of having the reader travel the journey with Job. All too often readers of the Bible think they are familiar with any particular story. Bosss commentary is unique in many ways. I suggest this commentary for any who have become overly familiar with the struggles of Job. The work is well written, easy to read, and will without a doubt cause the reader to slow down and experience the book as a participant and not merely a reader. -- Joshua E. Steward, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary * Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament *

Author Bio

Jeffrey Boss is a registered medical practitioner with a Cambridge doctorate in Natural Sciences. He has published research in physiology, cell biology, and the history of medicine and science. He is retired from the post of Senior Lecturer in Physiology in Bristol University, UK. Since the 1980s his personal research has focused on a Psychological interpretation of the book of Job.