Job 28 as Rhetoric: An Analysis of Job 28 in the Context of Job 22-31

This study seeks to argue that Job 28 is an integral part of the book as it stands, and that it is Job’s speech. Job 28 serves a special rhetorical function within the book, and more specifically within chapters 22-31. This work provides a significant interpretative key to Job 28 within the most perplexing section of the book (Job 22-31). Job 28 is in contradictory juxtaposition with other sayings of Job. However, this study argues that such contradictory juxtaposition is a feature of Job’s speeches in chapters 22-31, and is part of the author’s strategy to make a rhetorical impact upon the audience.