Job: On Death and Dying

Abstract

Although Job has been seen primarily as a theodicy, the continuing appeal of the book may also be due to its insights into our human reactions to the threat of death. The stages of dying described by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross are vividly portrayed in the words and actions of Job, his wife and his friends. Job articulates his isolation and anger, his self-justification and bargaining, his grief and hopelessness as well as his faith and acceptance of death. Job's plea for human as well as divine understanding is especially pertinent for those who seek to comfort the dying with a religious context.