Job's Attempt to Regain Control: Traces of a Babylonian Birth Incantation in Job 3

Abstract

Some have suggested that Job's ‘curse’ in ch. 3, beginning ‘Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth’ (3.1), is intended to prod God into allowing him to die (cf. 2.9) or perhaps to gain him an audience with God so that he can vindicate himself. However, the key to interpreting ch. 3 lies in understanding the womb imagery which is present in all three strophes. This article explores possible thematic and literary parallels between Job's opening speech in 3.1–10 and Akkadian birth incantations, and suggests that the opening speech is a satirical reversal of a birth incantation designed to undo his birth rather than to assist a birth.