‘Flipping Job’

Abstract

Abstract Interpretations of Job have traditionally focused on the question of theodicy and, because the book offers no clear response to the problems of God’s justice in the face of innocent suffering, suggested explanations have ranged widely and lack scholarly consensus. This article explores the suggestion that the book’s focus is not on God’s justice, but rather on the failure of the Friends as they accuse and victimize rather than support and encourage an innocent sufferer. This study will consider the significance of friendship, the role of the Satan, offering right and wrong speech, the representational nature of Job’s suffering, and the model presented to the community of faith by the Friends’ failed speech and negative example.