The God of Trauma Healing in Job 38–41 Viewed Through Traditional Korean Paintings

Abstract

This article provides an interpretation of the divine speeches in the Book of Job from the perspective of a Korean feminist pastoral theologian, resolving long-standing hermeneutical challenges associated with the book. First, the article focuses on Job’s wounded heart through an experimental biblical reading of Han-Feminist-Playing. Second, by examining Job’s central confession, “I saw God,” this article explores what Job saw through Western and Korean works of art. It then interprets scenes of divine speeches as imagined visions emerging within the blank spaces of traditional Korean painting. It argues that the God of divine speeches is the God of trauma healing. Like a trauma healer, God familiarizes Job with his sensations, muscles, and emotions, helping Job return to the world and enjoy life again. God rebuilds a world of creation in Job’s mind, which had been completely shattered by trauma. This article’s significance lies in its reading the entire book of Job as a coherent narrative from a trauma-healing perspective. Furthermore, it suggests a solid basis for placing the book within the wisdom literature. Finally, it uses Korean cultural resources, unfamiliar in Old Testament studies, as primary resources for unraveling the enduring mysteries of divine speeches. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.