Dissertations on the Book of Job: Vol 5: Dissertations XL–LIII & Appendices

Dissertations on the Book of Job: Vol 5: Dissertations XL–LIII & Appendices

The final volume addresses the theological and hermeneutical heart of Wesley's enterprise. It opens with studies of idolatry, Zabianism, and Zoroastrianism — the religious systems that formed the background to Job's world — followed by a literary study of the animal descriptions and treatments of serpent-worship, the underworld, and ancient magic. The climax of the entire work comes in Dissertations L and LI on the Goel and the Resurrection — Wesley's extended argument that Job 19:25–27 ("I know that my Redeemer liveth") constitutes a genuine profession of faith in bodily resurrection, against the rationalist readings of Grotius and others. The final dissertations address scriptural interpretation, the trinitarian significance of Elihu's speeches, and the Septuagint's treatment of Job. The volume concludes with appendices on the original subscribers, key terms, persons and works, and geographical names, along with biblical and subject indices. Translated and edited by Wilson Pruitt with extensive scholarly footnotes. Volume 5 of 5.