The Prophet and the Sage

“Despite longtime acknowledgment of the overlapping theological interests of Job and Habakkuk, detailed textual study has been lacking. Brian Koning identifies a convincing exegetical intervention involving Habakkuk 1 and Job 19. Koning’s evaluation of this interpretive allusion is valuable irrespective of one’s view of the dating of Job. Many thanks to Koning for helping us consider an exegetical relationship between Job and Habakkuk that illumines their theological outlooks.”


—Gary Edward Schnittjer, professor of Old Testament, Cairn University





“Brian Koning fills a scholarly gap in his fascinating analysis of the delicate interplay between two books—Habakkuk and Job—both of which view human suffering and the justice of God through the lens of experience. Using careful definitions of modern methodologies such as intertextuality, inner-biblical exegesis, and synchronic and diachronic method, Koning argues that the prophet Habakkuk ultimately transformed sapiential Job in a fresh aggadic context to shape his own very personal message to Israel.”


—Katharine Dell, professor of Old Testament literature and theology, University of Cambridge





“In The Prophet and the Sage, Brian Koning facilitates a deep conversation long overdue. Separated by canonical boundaries for millennia, Job and Habakkuk have striking connections that are highlighted within this volume, providing insights for reading both texts. The result is a richer understanding of Scripture, especially the voice of suffering and protest and the theological implications for life in all eras both ancient and modern.”


—Mark J. Boda, professor of Old Testament, McMaster Divinity College





“One of the greatest benefits of the last fifty years of exploration in intertextuality is the growing impulse to read the Bible in light of itself. The Prophet and the Sage continues this important scholarly exercise by calling us to read Habakkuk and Job alongside one another. Evaluating, critiquing, and building upon the methodological work of others, this volume lucidly argues that the theodicy tradition found in Job shapes the wrestling captured so profoundly in the book of Habakkuk.”


—William R. Osborne, associate professor of biblical and theological studies, College of the Ozarks