The Pious Sage in Job

Eliphaz in the Context of Wisdom Theology   --   This book focuses on the significance of the ancient Near Eastern social and wisdom contexts for understanding the role that Eliphaz, the leading sage-counselor, fulfills in Job . . . Eliphaz articulates a polished wisdom tradition, the epitome of a worldview shared by Job prior to his calamity.  Beyond a simplistic retribution perspective, Eliphaz draws from and refines each of the established sources of wisdom -- experience, tradition, and revelation -- to ground his counsel and censure of Job.  Although Eliphaz is expected to exemplify the role of distinguished counselor-advocate in leading Job out of suffering into reconciliation with God, his ineffectual efforts highlight a significant purpose for the book of Job.