Sirach
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Overview
The book of Sirach praises the study of the law, the wisdom of the men of old and their prophecies. Its author is well read and rearticulates traditional Jewish wisdom for his generation, centering it on fear of the Lord, and clearly asserting that wisdom is a gift from God. He encourages his audience to remain steadfast in following the law of Moses rather than following the ways of the dominant pagan Greek culture.
Top Highlights
“In Ben Sira’s view, wisdom is acquired at the cost of trials, but in the end produces blessings” (Page 15)
“Ben Sira composed his Hebrew work in Jerusalem, which plays a central role in his writing. He describes wisdom coming to dwell in Jerusalem (24:10–11) and pleads for divine mercy on the holy city (36:18–19). Furthermore, his depiction of the temple liturgy under the high priest Simeon II (50:5–21) appears to be the work of an eyewitness.” (Page 5)
“Scholars agree that Ben Sira’s book dates from 195–175 b.c. Because the poem praising the high priest Simeon II speaks of him in the past tense (50:1–4), it must have been completed after his death around 196 b.c.” (Page 5)
“Since Greek language and culture were dominant in civic life, some Jews wishing for social advancement were tempted to abandon their ancestral faith and instead seek favor from the pagan authorities.” (Page 6)
“Because some rabbis spoke against the book, the Hebrew text almost vanished, except for a few proverbs quoted in rabbinic writings. Nevertheless, ancient Jewish respect for the book is evident from the Hebrew copies that have survived.” (Page 6)