The Divine Fencing In: The Relationship Between Structure and Content in the Book of Job

By analyzing the Book of Job through the theme of divine containment, both the Divine Speeches and the Epilogue not only gain relevance, but also provide the audience with a deeper understanding of God’s relationship to creation and humanity. By discussing Job 1:1-2:13 and 42:7-17 as an outer inclusio and Job 3 and 38:1-42:6 as an inner inclusio, this thesis argues that this double inclusio structure, coupled with the repetition of the keyword swk/śwk (“to fence in”), further emphasizes the theme of the divine “fencing in” that is contained within these inclusio texts. Contrary to Job and the śāṭān’s depictions of God’s “fencing in,” God’s ultimate act of swk/śwk is that of the protective containment of all aspects of creation, while also allowing each being the freedom to exist and thrive. This new understanding of God’s relationship to creation allows Job to set aside his counter-cosmic incantation.Master of Arts (MA