THE IMPACT OF DEATH (‘THE KING OF TERRORS’) ON HUMAN DIGNITY IN JOB 18:14

  • Hendrik Bosman Old and New Testament Stellenbosch University
Keywords: Baal Myth, Death, Job 18, 14, Human Dignity

Abstract

The reference to death as the ‘king of terrors’ in Job 18:14 is interpreted against the background of the Ugaritic mythology, the terrifying fate of the wicked and other Old Testament references to death as a violent challenge to life and human dignity. It is argued that the Old Testament does consider God to be stronger than death without developing a pronounced theology of life after death. In contrast to the modern denial of the reality and inevitability of death one should face the challenge of accepting one’s death while maintaining human dignity.
Published
2013-06-12
Section
Human Dignity and Violence (2008-2009)