Theological Journal – June 20 When Biblical “Heroes” Aren’t
We tend to assume (not unnaturally) that biblical books named after characters in the stories they tell are “heroes” in those stories. Not perfect, to be sure, but the stories about them wouldn’t be in the Bible if we weren’t supposed to find them models or exemplars for some aspect of biblical living. And most of the time that’s a good instinct. Even Job who is as daring as can be imagined in challenging God has that challenge honored and though rebuked for his arrogance ends up back in right relation to God, The narrator of Ecclesiastes accepts Qoheleth’s stringent critique of meaning and purpose in life lived “under the sun” (without God) and though he finds that critique finally inadequate never says it is wrong on its own terms or denies that God’s people may experience life as meaningless to if they attempt to live it Qoheleth’s way. Even if we live from our commitment to Yahweh and his covenant life never falls into place like a jig saw puzzle but contains seemingly endless ...