The Concentric Structure of Job 28:1-28

The enigmatic wisdom poem of Job 28:1-28 stands apart from the rest of the book of Job in style and structure. Most read this poem in linear progression as three strophes (vv. 1-11; 15-19; 23-28) with an intervening refrain (vv. 12-14; 20-22). In this lecture it is suggested that the poem has been presented in the form of a concentric or compositional ring structure, which juxtaposes arguments rather than presenting them in a linear fashion. According to this structure there are five compositional units, the centre of which holds the main point of the text (A, B, C, B¹, A¹). A central section (C vv. 15-19), maintains the traditional view of the supreme value of wisdom. The central unit is surrounded by two inner parallel sections each beginning with a rhetorical question concerning the location of wisdom (Sections B vv.12-14 and B¹ vv. 20-22), and two outer sections (A vv. 1-11 and A¹ vv.23-28) in which two contrasting ways of acquiring wisdom are presented: by independent human effort presented in the form of a mining metaphor (A vv.1-11); or by contemplation of God’s omnipotent creative power and reverence for Him resulting in right behaviour (A¹). Each of the major units also follows a concentric pattern. Presented in this way the poet offers a veiled critique of a form of wisdom which penetrates areas exceeding the bounds of what is fitting for humanity and to advocate a traditional view of wisdom investigation in creation and the fear of God.