Are We Failing Job and Abraham's Tests?

Testing.. testing.. is this a test?

What does the biblical saga of Job’s epic test of faith have to do with the biblical story of the Binding of Isaac as a test of trust — and this terrible war that continues to destroy Gaza, diminish hope, claiming the lives of so many Palestinians and Israelis?

I’m in Jerusalem today, at the new national library, reflecting on how new narratives and ancient stories about trials and tests demand that we pay attention to toxic patterns and refuse to be part of blind faith and dangerous ideologies.

On our journey below the bible belt we just began the book of Job - the most complex and compelling theological book of the bible. I was already thinking about the parallels between the ways both Job and Abraham are tested by God - when I read a heartbreaking op-ed that written by Israeli journalist B. Michael, published in Ha'Aretz earlier this week.

The article compares Israel’s moral failure in Gaza and the West Bank with the biblical test of Abraham who was ordered by God to offer up his son Isaac as a burnt offering. The author imagines a dreadful dialogue between God and Satan - curious to see if Abraham would indeed sacrifice his own son to satisfy the deity’s demand for ultimate obedience. And as they watch Abraham lift up his knife - just before being ordered not to do so -- they exchange these words:

"Next time, don't argue with me," exults Satan, "I understand human beings better than you." And God takes the lesson to heart: in mad faith — Abraham excels. But as a parent, as a father — oh, what a shameful failure.

And all of us — mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents — face the same test almost daily. Wicked scoundrels masquerading as God raise their echoing voices, wrap themselves in clouds of nonsense, launch fireworks of black fire, and demand our children from us. Their wars have long since become rotten, unnecessary, and malicious — in Gaza and in Syria alike. They are harnessed solely to their sacred whims, to the cursed conquest, to tyrannical politics, and to the oppressor inflicted upon us.

How much longer will we fail the test like Abraham?”

B. Michael’s scathing rebuke of Israel’s government and the mostly silent citizens who choose not to see what’s going on in Gaza or, worse, justify it, is also deeply pained by the steep price Israelis are paying for by being led by a group of extremist zealots.

And how is this connected to the story of Job?

Job, whether he existed or not, is the famous victim of a mythic bet between God and Satan - wanting to see if this pious man will still believe in God and love his maker when afflicted in terrible ways. The story of Job is part of the Wisdom tradition, inspired by other Near Eastern traditions and famous for its exploration of faith in dark times.

The similarities between Abraham and Job are startling.

Both are tested by God.

Both are the only two biblical figures to earn the precise personal accolade of ירא א-להים, “God-fearing.”

They are the only two biblical characters to refer to themselves as עפר ואפר, “dust and ashes.”

Even the weird location of the story of Job - the land of Utz - is connected to the narratives of Abraham’s family, as are a few other odd and unusual names.

Both stories are about tests of loyalty. In the Genesis story of the Binding - Isaac is spared. No such luck for the ten children of Job.

These similarities qualify the book of Job to be labeled as a parallel or a sequel to the Binding of Isaac. As biblical scholar Judy Klitsner suggests- Job doesn’t just pick up where Abraham left off but rather -

“the book of Job serves not as a simple sequel to the Binding story but as a subversive sequel…

Stories echo one another not only to amplify, interpret, or simply to paint a story with some of the colors of an older, more familiar one. At times, a story will borrow language and theme from another in order to challenge its assumptions and ultimately overturn its conclusions. In its final verses, the book of Job overturns the Binding - the Binding’s messages of wordless compliance with God’s decrees. In this subversive sequel, God’s chosen is revealed to be not the most silent and subdued, but rather God’s most outspoken combatant.”

So what does the test of Job have to do with today’s rough reality of ongoing war, occupation and violence?

Everything.

Silence is complicity and resistance is a must. The poet who wrote Job was aware of the trials of Abraham as we are aware of the narratives that have been handed down to us. Do we choose to recycle the blind obedience or do we find ways to talk back to toxic theologies that demand death to satisfy power instead of pursuing peaceful solutions and justice driven paths?

We are just starting our journey with Job and I know this will bring up many more questions that weave theology and political realities, truth and troubles, courage to speak up and compassion that must lead us every step of the way. I hope that this biblical story helps us pave new paths on the roadmaps to much better, kinder and hopeful days.

Thank you for joining me below the bible belt. I wish us all a sacred season of lights and delights, generous gifts to those in need, and tireless pursuit of peace and justice.

Shabbat Shalom.