Journal article
The Concentric Structure of the Wisdom Poem in Job 28
Journal of Ancient Judaism, Vol.9(1), pp.26-45
2018
Abstract
The enigmatic wisdom poem of Job 28:1–28 stands apart from the rest of the book of Job in style and structure. Most read this poem in linear progression as three strophes (vv. 1–11; 15–19; 23–28) with an intervening refrain (vv. 12–14; 20–22). In this study, it is suggested that the poem has been presented in the form of a concentric or compositional ring structure, which juxtaposes arguments rather than presenting them in a linear fashion. According to this structure there are five compositional units, the centre of which holds the main point of the text (A, B, C, B1, A1). A central section (C vv. 15–19), maintains the traditional view of the supreme value of wisdom. The central unit is surrounded by two inner parallel sections each beginning with a rhetorical question concerning the location of wisdom (Sections B vv. 12–14 and B1 vv. 20–22), and two outer sections (A vv. 1–11 and A1 vv. 23–28) in which two contrasting ways of acquiring wisdom are presented: by independent human effort presented in the form of a mining metaphor (A vv. 1–11); or by contemplation of God’s omnipotent creative power and reverence for Him resulting in right behaviour (A1). Each of the major units also follows a concentric pattern.
Details
- Title
- The Concentric Structure of the Wisdom Poem in Job 28
- Authors/Creators
- R. Henderson (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Journal of Ancient Judaism, Vol.9(1), pp.26-45
- Publisher
- Brill
- Identifiers
- 991005543503007891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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