The Book of Job and the Modern View of Depression

Abstract

The Biblical Book of Job is a wisdom book. Wisdom, in this context, refers to the intellectual discipline taught by the sages of ancient Isreael to provide professionals with a realistic approach to the problems of life. Chapter 30 of the Book of Job is a key-index of ideas that, if followed through the book, discloses a modern scientifically accurate description of a depression that, at times, was life-threatening. There are practical clinical clues to distinguish between normal mourning and depression, as well as aids to the differential diagnosis of somatic symptoms that may arise from depression. A timeless model of the scope and limitations of the professional relation between patient and comforter is also presented. Part of the wisdom of the Book of Job is to use depression as an example of a life-threatening illness to provide an unexcelled standard of clinical observation and medical intervention.