Piercing Leviathan
Does God sovereignly rule over chaos, and suffering? In Piercing Leviathan, Eric Ortlund shows us God’s defeat of evil in the Book of Job.
An Excellent Academic Commentary
The book reads very much like an academic commentary. It is clear that Ortlund has a deep knowledge of the text and a vision for how the story is played out. It is interesting to see how he frames Job as wanting to reconcile with God. Ortlund is rightfully critical of Job’s friends, and details their conversations and tracks their arguments well.
In regards to Elihu, Ortlund leans towards a negative interpretation as Elihu is never able to transcend the suffering-as-punishment framework of Job’s friends. The relationship between Elihu and God is one of ironic contrast, and one purpose is for him to be a buffer between God and Job – helping the reader understand that Job does not summon God to speak.
Our Gentle and Gracious God
God’s speaking to Job shows his willingness to condescend, and his appearance in the storm as thunder and lightning represent a repelling of chaos and restoring order to creation. Ortlund highlights God’s gracious response as Job speaks “words without knowledge.” And by God taking control in asking questions, telling Job to “gird up his loins,” he upholds his honor and invites us to worship.
God’s use of rhetorical questions are not to humiliate, but to help. We see how God calms and actually soothes the raging seas with a swaddling cloth – an image of God’s gentleness and care. God’s light in the sunrise is a safe haven from the darkness, a daily blessing from God. God’s goodness is so broad that he cares even for hostile animals and helpless animals. And just because evil exists in the world does not mean that God is unjust – He governs and limits evil.
Job’s response to God is revealing. He seems formal and cold. While he can concede that God has a right to rule, he still lacks closure for what happened to him, his wife, and his children. Did God allow evil to happen to Job? Is this fair? Ortlund’s ability to analyze the arguments is outstanding.
Supernatural Symbols
Of course, God knows this, and his second speech will highlight his justice, kingdom, and the cosmic realm. Ortlund explains how the Behemoth – or the Superbeast – has a rank of first place in God’s plan for this world, is one of immense strength, but is ultimately a creature under God’s rule. Leviathan, an impenetrable, unstoppable, invincible grim king over a demonic horde, presents no danger or threat to God.
Ortlund is not afraid to address rival interpretations. But interpretations of Behemoth and Leviathan as hippo and crocodile seem unconvincing. Ortlund interprets them as supernatural symbols of chaos and evil – that of which God will battle, defeat, and destroy.
Now We Have Seen God
God’s speech is a paradigm-shift for job and a revelation for us as readers. It is gloriously comforting yet profoundly provocative as to understanding God, evil, and the divine drama that is being played out in the world. I am moved, like Job, to say that now we have seen God. Job doesn’t receive an explanation for his suffering, but he still ends up being restored. How much more are we who have Christ?
I received a media copy of Piercing Leviathan and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.