Andersen, F. I. Job: An Introduction and Commentary. TOTC. InterVarsity, 1976 (294 pp.). A standard look at Job, cited in many other commentaries. Introduction includes a helpful discussion on structure/design, noting the presence of symmetry and its role in shaping the work. Special attention to philological and poetic conventions in the story. Conscious of the widely diverse treatment Job has received as a book with uncertain origins, but not overwhelming. A useful and informative commentary for serious study.

Hartley, J. E. The Book of Job. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1988 (591 pp.). A careful study on a difficult book, all the more impressive for Hartley’s own translational work in the commentary. Somewhat technical linguistic discussion (knowledge of Hebrew helpful, but not entirely necessary). Hartley’s desire is to uncover the message of the book; a helpful section entitled “aim” is included after each speech to serve this goal. Sensitive to the place of Job relative to themes in the NT (see his interesting observations re: Job and the suffering songs of Isaiah). Serious students and teachers will benefit from this engaging study.

Newsom, C. A. “Job.” NIB. Abingdon, 1998 (1287 pp.; 317-637). Newsom has a knack for rendering the complicated palatable. She negotiates with skill the literary and compositional complexity of the book of Job without diminishing its function of challenging the reader with combative perspectives. Aware of the critical discussion about the book’s origin, but more concerned with a theological reading. Penetrating observations about the book’s ironies and the elusive (or dynamic!) location of the true voice of wisdom. An important study.