Discussion Questions for The Book of Job and the story of Jonah

(Wisdom Literature and the Theology of Retribution)

1. Summarize chapters 1 and 2 of The Book of Job. Who are the major heavenly characters? What are their roles? What, in fact, leads Satan to afflict Job?

2. Summarize the exchange between Eliphaz and Job (chapters 4-7).

What is Eliphaz’s claim concerning the cause of Job’s suffering?

What is Job’s response to this claim?

3. Summarize the exchange between Bildad and Job (chapters 8-10).

What is Bildad’s claim concerning the cause of Job’s suffering?

What is Job’s response to this claim?

4. Summarize the exchange between Zophar and Job (chapters11-13).

What is Zophar’s claim concerning the cause of Job’s suffering?

What is Job’s response to this claim?

5. Consider the ending of The Book of Job. What is it that Job wants?

Summarize Yahweh’s answer to Job in Chapter 38.

Is Job satisfied with Yahweh’s answer?

Are you satisfied with the ending?

What lesson or “wisdom” does The Book of Job attempt to teach?

6. Locate and share four wisdom sayings in The Book of Job.

Translate each into common language.

Do these sayings still apply to today? If so, how?

7. Summarize the story of Jonah.

Why is Jonah displeased? (Chapter 4)

What actions does Yahweh take in response to Jonah’s displeasure?

What lesson or “wisdom” does the story of Jonah attempt to teach?