On the Ambiguity of the Figure of Job in the Prologue (Job 1–2)

Abstract

In the Prologue (1–2), the figure of Job might appear as a plain paradigm of piety. In a reader-oriented perspective, however, parallels and similarities to other passages in the Hebrew Bible come into view, which bring to the fore subliminal ambiguities of the Joban figure. On the one hand, correspondences to Abraham are discernable, but on the other hand also subtle references to Balaam and Edom are discernable as well as reminiscences of the Wisdom tradition. At the same time, exaggerations in 1:1–5 and ambiguities in 1:22 and 2:10 tend to undermine Job’s integrity. In conclusion, the ambiguity of the figure of Job is visible not only in consideration of the book as a whole, but is prepared already in the Prologue.