Professor David J. A. Clines' commentary on Job 1-20 launches his monumental three-volume treatment of Job in the Word Biblical Commentary series, establishing the foundation for what is widely recognized as the definitive modern scholarly work on this profound biblical book. As one of the world's foremost authorities on Hebrew Wisdom literature and Old Testament poetry, Clines brings decades of specialized research to bear on the opening chapters of Job, where the stage is set for one of Scripture's most profound explorations of suffering, faith, and divine justice. His comprehensive scholarly approach combines meticulous attention to Hebrew linguistic detail with sophisticated literary and theological analysis, establishing this volume as an indispensable resource for serious engagement with Job's opening narrative and initial dialogues.

Clines' distinctive methodology brilliantly balances detailed verse-by-verse exposition with comprehensive literary and theological interpretation, demonstrating his exceptional ability to address both textual minutiae and broader theological implications. His treatment of the prose prologue illuminates the sophisticated theological framework underlying Job's story, while his analysis of the opening dialogues between Job and his three friends reveals the complex rhetorical and theological strategies that drive the book's development. His work on these foundational chapters provides essential insights into the book's literary structure, the characterization of its major figures, and the theological questions that will dominate the entire narrative, offering readers crucial tools for understanding how Job functions as both literature and theology.

This comprehensive scholarly volume serves as an invaluable resource for pastors seeking to understand the exegetical foundations necessary for faithful exposition of Job's challenging themes, seminary students pursuing advanced Old Testament studies, and scholars working in Wisdom literature and Hebrew poetry. Clines' thorough yet engaging approach ensures that readers encounter both the highest level of biblical scholarship and the theological depth necessary for understanding Job's enduring significance. His analysis of these opening chapters provides essential groundwork for understanding how Job addresses contemporary questions about the nature of faith, the mystery of suffering, and the proper response to circumstances that challenge simple theological explanations, making this volume indispensable for anyone seeking serious engagement with one of Scripture's most profound and challenging books.