Journalist Vander Weele (Reclaiming Our Schools) presents a novel interpretation of the story of Job in this work of trenchant analysis. For readers who have wondered why an uncaring God allowed Job, a faithful follower, to lose everything—apparently just to test his faith—Vander Weele poses the question: what if friends, servants, and family abandoned Job not because of their lack of understanding or compassion, but because Job wasn’t a good person? With meticulous analysis of the text, Vander Weele sheds light on aspects of the narrative and Job’s character that she believes have been misinterpreted for millennia. Instead of being a righteous, innocent man, Job emerges as someone who has mistreated his servants and family, cheated people in business, and puts his wealth above all else. In fact, Vander Weele suggests, Job seems not to have had much of a relationship with God before his suffering. Vander Weele’s excellent exegesis offers refreshing insight into an oft-shrugged-off Old Testament classic. (BookLife)
Twenty five years as a federal investigator gives me a profound appreciation for the author’s investigative approach, which reveals powerful truths that have been
obscured by centuries of passive reading of the Book of Job. This book leaves one in a state of honest self-examination.
Perceptive and fascinating. A unique and articulate presentation.
This is such an impressive study and very relevant in the consideration of leadership in these disordered times. The book is a clarion call to consider Job in a new way.
The Joy of Job is a Spirit-filled revelation of what the life of Job could have really been like. Eye-opening and encouraging, The Joy of Job would definitely be helpful to those who want to study Job in-depth. The book reveals that God can change a person no matter what condition they may find themselves in. It reflects and reveals God's mercy, love and grace. A great study piece.
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.” This famous line from the classic ”The Wizard of Oz” has left its mark as a cultural touchstone, encouraging us to question authoritative sources and figures. It was a scene where Toto pulled back the curtain and exposed the mighty Wizard’s true identity — a frail old man. In The Joy of Job, Maribeth Vander Weele uses her proven experience as an investigative reporter and international intelligence monitor to “pull back the curtain” on a side of Job you may have never considered. This book will challenge you to pay attention to that man behind the curtain. It is a brilliant study.
The Joy of Job makes a remarkable contribution to Biblical studies, theology, and pastoral care. With compelling logic and convincing Biblical exegesis, it presents the case for an alternate viewpoint into the meaning of Job’s journey. The author’s grasp of the anatomy and activity of human pride is enormously relevant to our times. After reading this book, Job makes sense to me in a way it never did before.
This unique investigative approach to the book of Job opened my eyes to much that I had missed. The Joy of Job chronicles indictment, defense pleadings, and witness statements—from Satan, from Job, his friends, and his God. Pick it up; engage the argument. You’ll be blessed with a new grasp of the gospel!
