Francis I. Andersen - Job (TOTC)

The aim of this series of Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, as it was in the companion volumes on the New Testament, is to provide the student of the Bible with a handy, up-to-date commentary on each book, with the primary emphasis on exegesis. Major critical questions are discussed in the introductions and additional notes, while undue technicalities have been avoided.

In this series individual authors are, of course, free to make their own distinct contributions and express their own point of view on all controversial issues. Within the necessary limits of space they frequently draw attention to interpretations which they themselves do not hold but which represent the stated conclusions of sincere fellow Christians. The book of Job, with its profound discussion of the mystery of personal suffering, is here commented upon by a scholar who knows something of the problem. Professor Andersen writes also from his experience as a teacher of Hebrew and cognate Semitic languages and literatures in which his reading is wide and up-to-date. He faces the many problems of the difficult text of this ancient book clearly and fairly and at the same time brings fresh insights and interpretation to a commentary which reflects not a little of his personality, life and work and so should help all modern Jobs and their would-be comforters.

In the Old Testament in particular no single English translation is adequate to reflect the original text. The authors of these commentaries freely quote various versions, therefore, or give their own translation, in the endeavour to make the more difficult passages or words meaningful today. Where necessary, words from the Hebrew (and Aramaic) Text underlying their studies are transliterated. This will help the reader who may be unfamiliar with the Semitic languages to identify the word under discussion and thus to follow the argument. It is assumed throughout that the reader will have ready access to one, or more, reliable renderings of the Bible in English.

Interest in the meaning and message of the Old Testament continues undiminished and it is hoped that this series will thus further the systematic study of the revelation of God and his will and ways as seen in these records. It is the prayer of the editor and publisher, as of the authors, that these books will help many to understand, and to respond to, the Word of God today

D. J. Wiseman

It is presumptuous to comment on the book of Job. It is so full of the awesome reality of the living God. Like Job, one can only put ones hand over ones mouth (40:4). But God has revealed himself, preserving at the same time the inaccessible mystery of his own being. So we must attempt this impossible thing which he makes possible (Mark 10:27). However forbidding, he fascinates us irresistibly until, by kindness and severity (Rom. 11:22), he brings us in his own way to Jobs final satisfaction and joy. The story of Job is an invitation and a guide to discoveries like his. It is especially the book for any who find themselves in Jobs sick day as a result of some shattering experience.

This commentary has taken shape in turbulent times. It was begun in Jerusalem, against a background of wars whose horrors have awakened the cries of Job again. It was continued in Africa and New Guinea, where the struggle for subsistence has its own misery. Finally Berkeley, California, provided a convulsive background of moral protest against war, poverty and racism.

The book of Job is about the unchanging human realitieswar, destitution, sickness, humiliation, bereavement, depression. Also the unchanging goodness of God, who transforms our human agony into justice, kindness, love and joy. It is about the terror of the Lord (2 Cor. 5:11) and his great tenderness (Jas 5:11). It is the story of one man who held on to his life in God with a faith that survived the torments of utter loss and expanded into new realms of wonder and delight.

The author is indebted to more persons that he can name. A generous research grant from the Australian Institute of Archaeology made it possible to complete the final revision. With a full heart I thank God for the unfaltering love of my wife Lois. The completion of this book is also a tribute to the Dean of Auckland, the Very Reverend John O. Rymer, and his wife, Joyce, who brought the love of God to us in a dark hour. Everything is a gift, suffering the holiest of all; and the healing of all hurts is found in the Body of One who was broken, the only pharmakon athanasias .

Francis I. Andersen

Saint Andrews Day, 1974