Why is the Book of Job so hard to read?

Answer 1

Often, the difficulty of a text depends on the approach taken as well as the literary style. When dealing with scripture on more than a superficial level, it helps to have some knowledge of Hermeneutics (Biblical interpretation and application). If we approach Job's style as a play (in addition to being Holy scripture inspired by God), rather than reading it flatly as a story or history, it can make much more sense. Imagine the subjects as characters on a stage, and it may become easier to understand, or at least the characters and their philosophies, hopes, fears and lives perhaps come a bit more alive and real to us. This may make it easier to read.