RT Article
T1 The Concentric Structure of the Wisdom Poem in Job 28
JF Journal of ancient Judaism
VO 9
IS 1
SP 26
OP 45
A1 Henderson, Ruth 1948-
LA English
PB Brill
YR 2018
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/166327567X
AB 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.
K1 Bibel : Ijob : 28
DO 10.13109/jaju.2018.9.1.26