For Wisdom's Sake: Collected Essays on the Book of Ben Sira

Description

This volume brings together twenty-four articles of Prof. Calduch-Benages' work on the book of Ben Sira over the last two decades. Some were written originally in English and others have been translated from Spanish and Italian originals. They are divided in three groups: introductory, thematic, and exegetical essays. The exegetical articles offer a detail study of several passages of the book, some of them pivotal in the structure of the book (Sir 2,1; 4,11-19; 6,22; 22,27–23,6; 23,27; 24,22; 27,30–28,7; 34,1-8; 34,9-12; 42,15–43,33; 43,27-33). The thematic essays deal with important theological issues such as canon and inspiration, wisdom, fear of the lord, trial, cult, prayer, forgiveness, and creation. Other no less important issues such as power and authority, dreams, travels, perfumes, animals and garments are discussed as well. Special attention is given to topics related with women, for instance, Ben Sira’s classification of wives, divorce, polygamy, and the absence of named women in the Praise of the Ancestors (Sir 44–50). Preface Contents First Publications Abbreviations Part I. Introductory Questions Ben Sira and the Canon of the Scriptures Sirach and Inspiration Part II. Thematic Essays Trial Motif in the Book of Ben Sira with Special Reference to Sir 2,1–6 Fear of the Powerful or Respect for Authority in Sirach “Cut Her Away from Your Flesh”: Divorce in Ben Sira Animal Imagery in the Hebrew Text of Ben Sira The Absence of Named Women from Ben Sira’s Praise of the Ancestors Polygamy in Ben Sira? Good and Bad Wives in the Book of Ben Sira: A Harmless Classification? Garment Imagery in the Book of Ben Sira The Exodus Traditions in the Book of Ben Sira Part III. Essays on Specific Passages Amid Trials: Ben Sira 2,1 and James 1,2 A Wordplay on the Term mûsar (Sir 6,22) Poetic Imagery in the Book of Ben Sira: A Case Study of Sir 21,1–10 Emotions in the Prayer of Sir 22,27–23,6 Ben Sira 23,27—A Pivotal Verse Ben Sira 24,22—Decoding a Metaphor Dreams and Folly in Sir 31(34Hb),1–8 The Hymn to Creation (Sir 42,15–43,33): A Polemic Text? God, Creator of All (Sir 43,27–33) Bibliography Index of Authors Index of References Index of Subjects