Job

The gravitas of suffering finds its clear sense in the book of Job. The simple yet forceful elucidation of Dr. Mona P. Bias, rendered in this tender commentary, provides the reader with a necessary comforting balm in embracing the ironic blessing of pain. Having been a spectator of her own journey through theincessant locus of Job’s concern, I find Dr. Bias’s work a serious necessity for deep thinking amidst our present darkness.

Russell Diwa
Senior Pastor,
Biblical Community Church, Texas, USA

Commentaries on books of the Bible differ in their emphasis – theological, pastoral, expository, devotional, or literary. In my assessment, this one is refreshingly helpful, with a good balance between something too heavy and technical and that of being overly devotional. Asian flavor effuses through insights and stories reflected everywhere. Most of all, Dr. Bias surfaces her high view of God amidst pain and suffering.

Richard Lai
Missionary,
Creative Access Nation

One of the aims of the Asia Bible Commentary Series is to have an exposition of the books of the Bible with the Asian psyche and cultural context in mind. This work on the book of Job fulfilled that aim. Job is a difficult book to understand but with this commentary it is now easier to read. I therefore highly commend this book to anyone who is interested in knowing God’s purpose and explanation for pain and suffering in and through the life of his faithful servant Job.

Andrew Liuson
Chairman, Co founder, and Former President,
Cityland Group, Philippines

I believe Dr. Mona P. Bias has given us a key that unlocks the book of Job, especially for those who say the book is too hard to understand. This commentary is a brilliant work that integrates extensive literature review, personal studies, and Asian cultural insights. This book is an important tool to disciple the church in Asia and elsewhere.

Bekele Shanko
Vice President,
Campus Crusade for Christ International

Dr. Mona Bias’s commentary on the ancient book of Job is destined to take its place as one of the leading evangelical commentaries available today to the church. As a leading Asian scholar, Dr. Mona writes in a way that will be of particular blessing for other Asian believers but also for those of us in all parts of God’s wide domain. I enthusiastically commend her work to all seeking better to understand this intriguing part of God’s word.

J. Paul Tanner, PhD
Vice President and Academic Dean,
The Arab Center for Biblical Studies

1. Commentary
2. 1. Series Preface
   2. Author’s Preface
   3. Acknowledgments
   4. List of Abbreviations
   5. Introduction
   6. Commentary on Job
   7. Selected Bibliography
3. Topics
4. 1. Undeserved Suffering
   2. Presumptive Theology
   3. Job’s Wealth
   4. The Names of God in the Book of Job
   5. Ha Satan: Function or Proper Name
   6. Suicide and How to Seek Help
   7. The Retribution Concept: When it Becomes Flawed
   8. Sheol and the Afterlife
   9. Traditional Beliefs and Experiences
   10. Job’s Monotheistic View of God
   11. Criticism: Subjective and Objective
   12. The Contrasting Activities of God
   13. Job’s Emotional State
   14. Mediation in the Asian Context
   15. A Typical Tongtong Process
   16. God’s Discipline and Punishment
   17. Polygamy in the Old Testament and in Asia
   18. Asian Perspective on Imprecatory Prayer
   19. The Relevance of Job 32 to Elihu’s View of Suffering
   20. The Relevance of Job 33 to Elihu’s View of Suffering
   21. The Relevance of Job 34 to Elihu’s View of Suffering
   22. The Relevance of Job 35 to Elihu’s View of Suffering
   23. The Relevance of Job 36 to Elihu’s View of Suffering
   24. The Relevance of Job 37 to Elihu’s View of Suffering
   25. The Origin of Life and the Purpose of Our Existence