Job 11-37

Reading chapters 11-37 was somewhat monotonous. I mean, it was exhausting to read on and on about Job and his friends questioning God’s ways and their destinies. As they come to meet and comfort Job, his friends play an important role in the development of the story.

While discussing Job’s situation, we are able to listen to his friends’ opinions and how each one expresses a different point of view. We see statements like these: “Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?” Job 11.3 were, in my opinion, one of them begins to question the Lord’s criteria. On the other side, we find interventions like these: “Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds; Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he?” Job 20.4


Even though I didn’t exactly enjoy reading this particular part of the bible, I found it interesting to see how the author, or I guess I should say authors in this case, varied the tone in their writings. For example, in stories like the one of Noah I perceived a more serious tone, instructing on what is right or wrong rather than motivating reflection. This story however, provided us an extensive dialogue which a variety of opinions, obviously with a common goal, but that one way or another allow us to create our own believe.

It is thanks to this phenomenon that I have been able to extract so much more from this reading that just for literary purposes. I mean, it is valid that one reads these stories to evaluate its content, style, etc, and completely ignores any other reactions it might create. Nevertheless, I found my case to be a balance between meeting the standards needed for the class as well as growing at a personal level.

But back to the reading, it is basically a non-stopping dialogue between a group of people, of friends, that gather around to discuss a certain issue. This is completely normal, I believe, for them to be so open about what should be or shouldn’t be done. However, it is nice to see the bible be so okay with it. Especially since some opinions don’t exactly agree with religious teachings themselves. I’m not sure what else I could note, besides the fact that most of them share the belief that Job had indeed done the right thing in cursing God; after all they encouraged it all. But once again, like I said before, it wasn’t at all entertaining.