A Brief Intro to Ecclesiasticus (Sirach)

In his fine book which explores Jewish literature of the second temple period (516 BC to 135 AD), Larry Helyer has a helpful introduction to Ecclesiasticus (aka “The Wisdom of Ben Sira” or “The Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach” or just “Sirach”).  Written around 180 BC, Ecclesiasticus is a collection of the traditions of…

Great Resource on Wisdom Literature

Here’s a fine resource you’ll want to get if you need a scholarly introduction to biblical and extra-biblical wisdom literature: Roland Murphy, The Tree of Life, 3rd edition, (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002).  In this book, Murphy discusses Proverbs, Job, Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes), Ben Sira, the Wisdom of Solomon, Lady Wisdom, and other similar literature and wisdom…