The Wisdom of Ben Sira: A New Translation with Notes. Introduction and Commentary by Alexander A. Di Lella (The Anchor Bible)

SKEHAN, Patrick W (ed)

ISBN 10: 0385135173 / ISBN 13: 9780385135177

Published by Doubleday, 1987

Spine slightly faded. Robust packaging. Tracking can be added to overseas orders on request. Used books are exempt from USA tariffs. Bookplate. Binding sound, text unmarked. Size: xxiv, 620pp. Seller Inventory # WW9265

Synopsis:

The Wisdom of Ben Sira (Ecclesiasticus) contains the sayings of Ben Sira, arguably the last of Israel's wise men and its first professional scribe, whose world was defined and dominated by Greek ideas and ideals. This Hellenistic worldview challenged the adequacy of the religion passed down to the Palestinian Jews of the second century B.C.E. by their ancestors. Ben Sira's training in both Judaic and Hellenistic literary traditions prepared him to meet this challenge. He vigorously opposed any compromise of Jewish values; and his teachings bolstered the faith and confidence of his people.

Through its elegant poetry and vehement exhortations, The Wisdom of Ben Sira exposes the ill effects of sinful behavior on one's health, status, and spiritual and material well-being. Ben Sira's rigorous code of moral behavior was the measure of Jewish faithfulness in an era of ethical and religious bankruptcy.

About the Author: The late Patrick W. Skehan was Professor of Semitic Languages at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Alexander A. Di Lella is Professor of Biblical Studies at the same university. He is also coauthor of the Anchor Bible commentary The Book of Daniel.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Wisdom of Ben Sira: A New Translation ...
Publisher: Doubleday
Publication Date: 1987
Binding: Binding sound, text unmarked
Condition: Near Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: No dustwrapper
Signed: Bookplate