Restorative Justice in the Book of Job: An Exegesis Study of Job 19:23-27 and Its Significance to the Contemporary Kikuyu Christian in Kenya

Abstract

In theology, God is just and He administers justice in the world. This study looked at divine justice as seen by the person who suffers beginning with Job. The study carried an exegetical analysis of Job 19:23-27 to find the original meaning of the text as seen by the first audience. To mine the meaning of the text, the study used the social scientific methodology. This helped the researcher to find the social construct of the people of the Ancient Near East and how they interpreted suffering in their time. The study then carries this to the contemporary Kikuyu Christian and help them come to terms with the issue of underserved suffering. The study explores the question of undeserved suffering and what should constitute the attitude of Kikuyu Christians when they face trials in life. The findings on this research reveals that Kikuyus understanding of suffering as retributive justice greatly influences how they interpret the Bible and understand the principles of God. The righteousness of man should go beyond this system of wrong and right. Biblical restorative justice goes beyond punishing the wrong doing with focus on reconciliation, repentance, and taking responsibility. The research finds that there is a correlation between the justice of God and his executive authority in governing the world. God acts in his judicial authority when he is rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked. At the same time, He acts in his executive authority when he allows even the righteous to go through moments of suffering. For the contemporary Kikuyu Christian, one needs to have faith in God if they are to carry the proper attitude when suffering. The person who suffers may not fully comprehend the reasons why they are suffering but they should hold on to faith and trust in the Lord.