The prophetic books portray God as distant and/or separate. God sets up rules, and the people are expected to follow them. Humans know God’s will as God interacts with the community. Revelation comes through individuals for the benefit of the community. Judgment against other nations also reveals God’s will. Humans are supposed to follow God’s will for the nation as the purpose of their existence. This is seen in the book of Joel when God arrives like a ruler against a locust army who dictates expectations of the people (Joel 2:11). The people know God’s will through the revelation of Joel 2:12-13, and it is for all of the community (Joel 2:15-16). The people are to return to God so that they may know his sovereignty. They should do as God says, and he will restore them and their land.
The wisdom books are focused on experience. God is known through questions and is more relationally connected to the people. Humans know God’s will through direct revelation of wisdom confirmed through experience. There is a distinct teaching style in the wisdom books, and elders are often the teachers. Revelation comes in smaller, more individual environments and is available to everyone. Wisdom is the purpose of human existence; it is good and necessary. Job asks God questions, and God hears Job even thought the conversation is confrontational. Job knows God and God’s will through the conversations and questions. God instructs Job on the essence and character of God just like a teacher would instruct a student. Revelation comes on a more individual level as Job receives insight from God instead of the whole group of characters. Job learns that the purpose of human existence is wisdom gained through relentless conversation and questions between himself and God.