"Introduction to and scholarly consideration of how Jesus Ben Sira (Jesus, the son of Sirach and Jewish wisdom teacher of the late third and early second century B.C.E) communicated his wisdom teachings, which psychological and sociological assumptions underlay his teachings, and what they might contribute to the personal and social formation of persons today"--Provided by publisher.

Within the compass of this substantial volume, a major study work, Dr. J. Sidlow Baxter points out the marvel of the structural design of the Scriptures. First examining the “architecture” of the Bible, he suggests the basic approach to, and expectation of what is to be gained by the study of Scriptures. He then makes clear how a certain fitness for delineating the spiritual truths of the Bible may be acquired - and so he leads the reader to understand the structure of the Bible as a whole. In the second part of his book, Dr. Baxter points to the two dispensations defined in John 1:17 and offers stimulating comparisons between the Old and New Testaments. Further chapters lead toward a clear understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven, the Church, and the entire New Testament. Included in the text are useful outlines and tables to summarize key factors, figures, pronouncements and turning points which have pivotal or crucial significance in the total message of the Bible.

A comprehensive introduction to ancient wisdom literature, with fascinating essays on a broad range of topics. The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Wisdom Literature is a wide-ranging introduction to the texts, themes, and receptions of the wisdom literature of the Bible and the ancient world. This comprehensive volume brings together original essays from established scholars and emerging voices to offer a variety of perspectives on the “wisdom” biblical books, early Christian and rabbinic literature, and beyond. Varied and engaging essays provide fresh insights on topics of timeless relevance, exploring the distinct features of instructional texts and discussing their interpretation in both antiquity and the modern world. Designed for non-specialists, this accessible volume provides readers with balanced coverage of traditional biblical wisdom texts, including Proverbs, Job, Psalms, and Ecclesiastes; lesser-known Egyptian and Mesopotamian wisdom; and African proverbs. The contributors explore topics ranging from scribes and pedagogy in ancient Israel, to representations of biblical wisdom literature in contemporary cinema. Offering readers a fresh and interesting way to engage with wisdom literature, this book: Discusses sapiential books and traditions in various historical and cultural contexts Offers up-to-date discussion on the study of the biblical wisdom books Features essays on the history of interpretation and theological reception Includes essays covering the antecedents and afterlife of the texts Part of the acclaimed Wiley Blackwell Companions to Religion series, the Companion to Wisdom Literature is a valuable resource for university, seminary and divinity school students and instructors, scholars and researchers, and general readers with interest in the subject.

The volume publishes the papers read at an international conference on the Book of Ben Sira, held at the Shime'on Centre, Pápa, Hungary. Renowned specialists of the field treat among others various questions of early Jewish wisdom thought, the interpretation of history, and canon forming.

The present exegitical study of the Hebrew and Greek texts of Sirach 50 provides an impressive illustration of Israels religion from 200-132 BCE, offering two pictures of Simon the High Priest, one by Ben Sira and one by his grandson.