Final Answer:
Bullock concluded that the literary genre of the Book of Job is primarily poetic wisdom literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bullock's conclusion about the literary genre of the Book of Job centers on the distinctive features found in the text leading him to categorize it as poetic wisdom literature. Poetic wisdom literature is characterized by its poetic form and thematic focus on the complexities of human existence often exploring questions of suffering morality and the divine-human relationship. In the case of the Book of Job the poetic nature of the text is evident in its use of parallelism elevated language and the inclusion of poetic dialogues between Job and his friends.
The poetic structure of the Book of Job serves a dual purpose. Firstly it emphasizes the emotional depth of Job's experiences and the philosophical discussions that unfold. This stylistic choice allows for a nuanced exploration of theodicy—the question of why a just God permits the existence of evil and suffering. Secondly the poetic form aids in memorization and oral transmission a common feature of wisdom literature in ancient cultures.
Moreover Bullock likely considered the thematic elements present in the Book of Job such as the exploration of divine justice and theodicy which align with the broader characteristics of wisdom literature. Wisdom literature seeks to impart practical insights for righteous living and understanding the complexities of life. Therefore Bullock's classification of the Book of Job as poetic wisdom literature is based on a careful analysis of its literary features and thematic content providing a valuable framework for interpreting the text within its broader cultural and literary context.