DOCSLIB.ORG

Matthew's Wisdom Christology in Its Jewish and Early Christian Contexts

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Matthew's Wisdom Christology in Its Jewish and Early Christian Contexts MATTHEW’S WISDOM CHRISTOLOGY IN ITS JEWISH AND EARLY CHRISTIAN CONTEXTS Submitted by Thathathai Singsa shb B.Ed (Thailand), M.A (Theology ACU) A thesis submitted in total fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Theology, Melbourne Faculty of Theology and Philosophy Australian Catholic University Research Services Locked Bag 4115, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 Australia 5 May 2011 1 Statement of Sources This thesis contains no material published elsewhere or extracted in whole or in part from a thesis by which I have qualified for or been awarded another degree or diploma. No other person’s work has been used without due acknowledgment in the main text of the thesis. This thesis has not been submitted for the award of any degree or diploma in any other tertiary institution. Full name: Thathathai Singsa Signed: Date: 5 May 2011 2 Acknowledgements I wish to acknowledge with gratitude my principal supervisor Associate Professor David C. Sim for his expertise, insights and patience. I thank him for his constructive criticism and exposing weaknesses in my work. For his thoroughness, I am most grateful. I acknowledge also, co-supervisor Associate Professor James S. McLaren, for his support and concern throughout my study. I acknowledge the assistance given to me by Dr Veronica Lawson rsm, in the early years of my study and Dr Rod Doyle cfc for his teachings in Biblical Greek, and continued support in my studies. I acknowledge the academic skills advisors at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Dr Jo Reidy and Elizabeth Powell for their constant academic advice and friendship. I also acknowledge the Library Staff at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne; Catholic Theology College Library; Dalton McCaughey Library and Whitley College Library for their assistance in my research. I acknowledge with gratitude the Religious Communities with whom I have been associated during my years of study, the Sisters of Mercy, particularly the North Melbourne community, the Loreto Sisters at St. Mary’s College, University of Melbourne and the Good Shepherd Sisters in Abbotsford. The hospitality and support of each congregation is greatly appreciated along with the Mary Ward Grant from the Loreto Sisters. In particular, I wish to acknowledge Sr Margaret Ignatius rsm and Sr Mary Lewis rsm for their untiring support, encouragement and friendship throughout my years of study. I acknowledge with a great debt of gratitude, my own Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Bangkok (SHB). I thank the Congregation leaders Sr Pannee Phurunghong shb and Sr Chalieng Vetchayan shb for their generosity and constant support and for giving me the opportunity to study Theology. I acknowledge, finally, and in the highest place my late father Taweep Singsa and my mother Yuthani Singsa who were the first to teach me and did so much to give me a good education. I acknowledge all members of my family and friends from Thailand and Australia who have supported me throughout my studies. 3 Table of Contents Statement of Sources 2 Acknowledgements 3 Table of Contents 4 Abstract 7 Abbreviations 9 Introduction 11 1. Survey of Early Studies 12 1.1 M. J. Suggs 12 1.2 C. M. Deutsch 15 1.3 E. A. Johnson 19 1.4 B. Witherington 21 1.5 F. T. Gench 27 1.6 E. M. Wainwright 30 1.7 S. J. Gathercole 32 1.8 Conclusion 34 2. Plan of This Thesis 36 3. Presuppositions 41 4. Methodology 44 5. Terminology 56 Chapter 1: Wisdom in Judaism 61 1. Introduction 61 2. The Meaning of Human Wisdom and Divine Wisdom 62 3. The Origin of Human Wisdom and Divine Wisdom 63 3.1 Human Wisdom in the Ancient Near East 63 3.2 Divine Wisdom in the Ancient Near East 64 3.3 Human Wisdom in Ancient Israel 65 3.4 Human and Divine Wisdom in the Jewish Wisdom Literature 67 4 4. Wisdom in the Jewish Tradition 68 4.1 Wisdom in the Book of Proverbs 69 (a) 1:20-33 70 (b) 3:13-20 72 (c) 4:5-9 73 (d) 8:1-36 74 (e) 9:1-11 83 4.2 Wisdom in the Book of Job 87 (a) Job 28 88 4.3 Wisdom in the Book of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus or Ben Sira 91 (a) 1:1-10 92 (b) 4:11-19 93 (c) 6:18-37 94 (d) 24:1-29 94 (e) 51:13-30 97 4.4 Wisdom in the Book of Wisdom 98 (a) 6:22 99 (b) 7:7-8:1 99 (c) 8:2-21 102 (d) 10:1-21 103 4.5 Wisdom in the Book of Baruch 105 (a) 3:9-4:4 106 4.6 Wisdom in the Book of 1 Enoch 109 (a) 1 En 42 109 4.7 Summary 110 5. Pre-Existence in the Jewish Tradition 113 6. Conclusion 116 Chapter 2: Wisdom in Early Christianity 118 1. The Pauline Tradition 118 (a) 1 Cor 24, 30 119 (b) 1 Cor 8:6 122 (c) Gal 4:4-6 and Rom 8:3-4 124 (d) Phil 2:6-11 128 (e) Summary 131 5 2. The Markan Tradition 132 3. The Q Tradition 139 (a) Q 7:18-35 (Lk 7:18-35//Mt 11:2-19) 140 (b) Q 11:49 (Lk 11:49//Mt 23:34a) 148 (c) Q 13:34-35 (Lk 13:34-35//Mt 23:37-39) 152 (d) Q 10:21-22 (Lk 10:21-22//Mt 11:25-27) 155 (e) Q 11:31-32 (Lk 11:31-32//Mt 12:41-42) 158 (f) Summary 160 4. The Johannine Tradition 161 5. Conclusion 181 Chapter 3: Wisdom in the Matthean Tradition 184 1. Mt 11:2-19 185 2. Mt 11:25-30 193 (a) vv. 25-27 194 (b) vv. 28-30 200 3. Mt 23:34-39 212 (a) vv. 34-36 212 (b) vv. 37-39 218 4. Mt 1:23 224 5. The Matthean ‘I Have Come’ Sayings 233 6. The Matthean Jesus and the Law 239 7. Conclusion 254 General Conclusions 257 Bibliography 264 6 Abstract This thesis aims to study the identification of the Matthean Jesus with Wisdom or Sophia, a personified feminine figure. The roots of this identification are traced to the traditions in Judaism as depicted in Proverbs, Job, Sirach, the Wisdom of Solomon, Baruch and 1 Enoch. The early Christians made use of this Wisdom tradition when speculating on the identity and significance of Jesus, and scholars have identified explicit Wisdom Christologies in Paul, Q and John. The thesis has its main focus in the Matthean tradition and demonstrates that Matthew develops a high Christology from his Jewish and Christian sources by portraying Jesus as Wisdom incarnate. This thesis studies Matthew’s Wisdom Christology from the perspective of its Jewish and early Christian contexts. How has Matthew been influenced by these traditions, and how has he developed them? The nature and roles of Wisdom in Judaism differ from text to text. In some she is a distinct pre-existent being, subordinate to and distinct from God, while in others she appears to be an aspect of God and not a distinct entity. In terms of her functions, Wisdom is assigned a variety of roles. She plays a part in the creation of the universe as the assistant of God, mediates between God and humans, plays a salvific role and is identified with the Torah. Wisdom can be described in various ways, including mother, lover and counsellor. In the Judaism of Matthew’s time, Wisdom is only one of many pre-existent beings. Other figures that were thought to pre-exist and await a future revelation include the Messiah and the Son of Man, and these too play an important role in the emergent Christology of the first century. 7 The study of the early Christian texts reveals that the Christians accessed the Jewish Wisdom traditions in different ways. Paul uses the term ‘the Wisdom of God’ for Jesus (1 Cor 1:24; cf. 1:30), but he seems not to use it as a Christological title. The concept of Wisdom as a distinct figure first appears in the Q tradition. In this Sayings Source, Jesus is not identified with Wisdom herself but as her messenger or envoy. The Gospel of John testifies to a further development. John has a clear Wisdom Christology, especially in the Prologue where the pre-existent Jesus is assigned many of Wisdom’s roles. But this author never refers to Jesus as ‘Wisdom’. He prefers the masculine term ‘the Word’. Between the Q and the Johannine traditions comes Matthew, and it is in this Gospel that the early Christian Wisdom Christology is most clearly attested. In distinction to Q, Matthew makes explicit the identification of Jesus with Wisdom herself and, in distinction to John, he has no qualms about using that particular feminine term. For Matthew Jesus is pre-existent Wisdom, subordinate to God and separate from God, who becomes incarnate in the body of a human through a miraculous conception. In portraying Jesus in this way, Matthew adopts many of the attributes and roles of Wisdom in the Jewish tradition, including her role in creation, her close relationship with God, her role as prophet and teacher, her rejection by humans and her identification with the Law. Moreover, in constructing his Wisdom Christology, the evangelist reinterprets and develops some aspects of Wisdom’s traditional roles on the basis of Christian claims about Jesus. Thus in Matthew it is significant that Jesus as Wisdom is a miracle-worker, the definitive interpreter of the Law, dies on the cross to save her people from their sins and will come in the future as the eschatological judge.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Book Introductions: Job – Malachi
    Book Introductions: Job - Malachi Job offers a hard look at suffering from both the human and divine perspec7ve. In the first two chapters we catch a glimpse of the spiritual background as Satan and God discuss righteous Job (and then Satan is allowed to bring disasters into Job’s life). From chapter 3 on we see Job responding, without the perspec7ve of chapters 1-2. Much of the book is a cycle of debate between Job and three men, plus a fourth nearer the end. The “friends” are clear that suffering is a consequence for sin, so Job must be a terrible sinner. Job calls on God to disclose his righteousness. Where does wisdom come from in the harsh reali7es of life? It cannot come from human thought, it must come from God. Finally God speaks and Job is humbled by dozens of ques7ons from the Almighty One. God is God. Job is dumbfounded. Finally God restores Job’s fortunes again. There is no easy answer for undeserved suffering, but Job urges us to look heavenwards in every circumstance. Psalms is a collec7on of collec7ons of poetry, many wriSen by King David. Psalms 1 and 2 act as an introduc7on to the book. The first psalm contrasts the enduring blessing of the believer who meditates on God’s Word with the flee7ng and vain eXistence of the wicked. Yet the book clearly demonstrates that life usually doesn’t seem to work out as it should – the wicked seem to prosper, the righteous seem to suffer, things are not right. So the various psalmists ask ques7ons, complain, occasionally have an emo7onal outburst.
    [Show full text]
  • The Book of Proverbs Is Not Mysterious, Nor Does It Leave Its Readers Wondering As to Its Purpose
    INTRODUCTION The book of Proverbs is not mysterious, nor does it leave its readers wondering as to its purpose. At the very outset we are clearly told the author’s intention. The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings. Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people. Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. And let those who understand receive guidance by exploring the depth of meaning in these proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles. NLT, 1:2-6 The book of Proverbs is simply about godly wisdom, how to attain it, and how to use it in everyday living. In Proverbs the words wise or wisdom are used roughly125 times. The wisdom that is spoken of in these proverbs is bigger than raw intelligence or advanced education. This is a wisdom that has to do skillful living. It speaks of understanding how to act and be competent in a variety of life situations. Dr. Roy Zuck’s definition of wisdom is to the point. Wisdom means being skillful and successful in one’s relationships and responsibilities . observing and following the Creator’s principles of order in the moral universe. (Zuck, Biblical Theology of the Old Testament, p. 232) The wisdom of Proverbs is not theoretical.1 It assumes that there is a right way and a wrong way to live.
    [Show full text]
  • Malachi's Use of ה ַרֺותּ in Dialogue with The
    OTE 31/1 (2018): 243-263 243 ”,ּתוֺרַ ה Boloje, “Malachi’s Use of in dialogue with the Wisdom ּתוֺרַ ה Malachi’s use of Tradition of Proverbs1 BLESSING ONORIODE BOLOJE (UP) ABSTRACT in dialogue with the ּתוֺרַ ה This article examines Malachi’s use of wisdom tradition of Proverbs. The proposition of the article is that wisdom in the book of Proverbs is tôrāh-oriented and that Malachi’s use of tôrāh serves to present and elevate tôrāh as Israel’s Wisdom Tradition/teaching. The ideas of hearing, keeping, or forsaking the tôrāh in Prov 28:4, 7, 9; 29:18 correspond to the idea of remembering the tôrāh of Moses in Mal 3:21. Within the contextual perspective of the Mosaic covenant, it is believed that keeping the Mosaic tôrāh constitute wisdom for Israel (Deut 4:6; cf. Ps. 19:7; 119:130). As taught in the OT, wisdom is, in some extent, the manifest expression and outworking of the Yahweh’s law in the heart and life. Thus, in light of the close connection between tôrāh and wisdom in the OT, this article presents a general understanding of wisdom relative to the HB as a background, it examines tôrāh wisdom from selected passages in the book of Proverbs, analyses the use of tôrāh in Malachi’s dialogue and then concludes with a synthesis of the relationship between tôrāh wisdom in Proverbs and tôrāh usage in Malachi’s dialogue. KEYWORDS: tôrāh-wisdom; Proverbs; Malachi; wisdom tradition; remembering and forsaking tôrāh; Mosaic Covenant. A INTRODUCTION tôrāh, “law”), is) ּתוֺרַ ה ,In the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament (HB/OT), the noun regarded as a foundational theological concept as it embraces and represents a number of different connotations and understanding in diverse ancient Israelite societal and communal backgrounds.
    [Show full text]
  • Song of Songs
    Blackhawk Church Eat This Book – Weekly Bible Guide Reading the Song of Songs The Superscription: “The Song of songs, which is for/by/related to Solomon” (Song 1:1) Indicates the context in which the Song is to be read: A part of Israel’s wisdom literature [a tradition that has its origins with Solomon]. The [Song of Songs], along with the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, is related to Solomon as the source of Israel’s wisdom literature. As Moses is the source [though not the only author] of the Torah, and David is the source [though not the author] of the book of Psalms, so is Solomon the father of the wisdom tradition in Israel… The connection of the Song of Songs to Solomon in the Hebrew Bible sets these writings within the context of wisdom literature.” -- Brevard Childs, Introduction to the Old Testament. Main Interpretations: 1. An allegory of Yahweh’s covenant relationship with Israel [Jewish Tradition] 2. An allegory of Christ’s relationship to the Church [Christian tradition] 3. A reflection on and celebration of the gift of love, sex, and relational intimacy. a. Meditations on the beauty of human sexuality and marriage are a key part of biblical wisdom literature: Proverbs 5 is the anchor for the metaphors in the Song. Israel’s sages sought to understand through reflection the nature of the world and human experience in relation to the Creator… The Song is wisdom’s reflection on the joyful and mysterious nature of love between a man and a woman within marriage. -- Brevard Childs, Introduction to the Old Testament.
    [Show full text]
  • Wisdom Editing in the Book of Psalms: Vocabulary, Themes, and Structures Steven Dunn Marquette University
    Marquette University e-Publications@Marquette Dissertations (2009 -) Dissertations, Theses, and Professional Projects Wisdom Editing in the Book of Psalms: Vocabulary, Themes, and Structures Steven Dunn Marquette University Recommended Citation Dunn, Steven, "Wisdom Editing in the Book of Psalms: Vocabulary, Themes, and Structures" (2009). Dissertations (2009 -). Paper 13. http://epublications.marquette.edu/dissertations_mu/13 Wisdom Editing in the Book of Psalms: Vocabulary, Themes, and Structures By Steven Dunn, B.A., M.Div. A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School, Marquette University, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Milwaukee, Wisconsin December 2009 ABSTRACT Wisdom Editing in the Book of Psalms: Vocabulary, Themes, and Structures Steven Dunn, B.A., M.Div. Marquette University, 2009 This study examines the pervasive influence of post-exilic wisdom editors and writers in the shaping of the Psalter by analyzing the use of wisdom elements—vocabulary, themes, rhetorical devices, and parallels with other Ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions. I begin with an analysis and critique of the most prominent authors on the subject of wisdom in the Psalter, and expand upon previous research as I propose that evidence of wisdom influence is found in psalm titles, the structure of the Psalter, and among the various genres of psalms. I find further evidence of wisdom influence in creation theology, as seen in Psalms 19, 33, 104, and 148, for which parallels are found in other A.N.E. wisdom texts. In essence, in its final form, the entire Psalter reveals the work of scribes and teachers associated with post-exilic wisdom traditions or schools associated with the temple.
    [Show full text]
  • Psalms and Wisdom Literature: an Introduction
    Psalms and Wisdom Literature: An Introduction © Dr Paul B Coulter, January 2011 www.paulcoulter.net CONTENTS Title Page Introduction 2 Poetry in the Hebrew Bible 3 Wisdom Literature 5 Psalms 12 Proverbs 24 Ecclesiastes 30 Job 33 Song of Songs 45 Conclusion 49 Bibliography 49 Page | 2 Psalms and Wisdom Literature: An Introduction © 2011, Paul B Coulter INTRODUCTION This study is intended to be an introduction to the five books of the Bible grouped together in the Old Testament of English translations of the Bible after the Law and historical books (Genesis to Esther) and before the books of the Prophets (Isaiah to Malachi). The five books in the order in which they are placed are: • Job • Psalms • Proverbs • Ecclesiastes • Song of Songs The books deserve to be grouped together since they are clearly different in character from the other parts of the Old Testament (with the possible exception of Lamentations, which was placed together with them in the Hebrew Bible but is placed after Jeremiah in English translations because its authorship is traditionally attributed to the prophet), but they really comprise books of two different major genres: a) Poetry – the Psalms are a collection of poems or songs. b) Wisdom – Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes belong within this genre. Having identified these two genres, however, it must be said that the division is not as absolute as it may appear, for a number of reasons: • There is some debate as to which category Song of Songs should be placed in – is it a poetic song or an example of “lyric wisdom” (see the section on Song of Songs for further discussion).
    [Show full text]
  • Books of the Bible
    TO LECTORS: A guide for introducing each book of the Bible Please refer to this guide as you rehearse your reading for the week. THE OLD TESTAMENT The Torah Book Lector’s Introduction Genesis “A reading from the Book of Genesis.” Exodus “A reading from the Book of Exodus.” Leviticus “A reading from the Book of Leviticus.” Numbers “A reading from the Book of Numbers.” Deuteronomy “A reading from the Book of Deuteronomy.” History/Corporate Memory Book Lector’s Introduction Joshua “A reading from the Book of Joshua.” Judges “A reading from the Book of Judges.” Ruth “A reading from the Book of Ruth.” 1 Samuel “A reading from the First Book of Samuel.” 2 Samuel “A reading from the Second Book of Samuel.” 1 Kings “A reading from the First Book of Kings.” 2 Kings “A reading from the Second Book of Kings.” 1 Chronicles “A reading from the First Book of Chronicles.” 2 Chronicles “A reading from the Second Book of Chronicles.” Ezra “A reading from the Book of Ezra.” Nehemiah “A reading from the Book of Nehemiah.” Esther “A reading from the Book of Esther.” Wisdom Book Lector’s Introduction Job “A reading from the Book of Job.” Psalms (Not typically announced; we sing or read it together.) Proverbs “A reading from the Book of Proverbs.” Ecclesiastes “A reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes.” Song of Solomon “A reading from the Song of Solomon.” Major Prophets Book Lector’s Introduction Isaiah “A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.” Jeremiah “A reading from the Prophet Jeremiah.” Lamentations “A reading from the Lamentations of Jeremiah.” Ezekiel “A
    [Show full text]
  • WISDOM of SOLOMON, BOOK of the (LXX. Σοφία Σολομῶνος; Vulgate, "Liber Sapientiæ"): (The Jewish Encyclopedia, 1906)
    1 WISDOM OF SOLOMON, BOOK OF THE (LXX. Σοφία Σολομῶνος; Vulgate, "Liber Sapientiæ"): (The Jewish Encyclopedia, 1906) By: Kaufmann Kohler Table of Contents Contents of the Book. Hellenistic Passover Haggadah. Wonders of the Exodus. The Folly of Idolatry. Plagues upon Egypt. Authorship and Date. Apocryphal book written in Alexandria about the middle of the first century B.C.That it was composed in Greek by an Alexandrian Jew has been conclusively shown by Freudenthal ("J. Q. R." iii. 722-753). The book has neither an introductory verse nor a regular conclusion. In fact, it consists of three independent parts which have no real connection, and which treat of subjects altogether different, a fact clearly recognized by Bretschneider, Eichhorn, and others, but disputed by Grimm ("Kurzgefasstes Exegetisches Handbuch zu den Apocryphen des Alten Testaments," vi. 9-24, Leipsic, 1860) and his followers. Contents of the Book. The first six chapters of Wisdom form an address to the rulers of the earth (i. 1; comp. iii. 8; vi. 1-2, 9, 21). They accentuate the necessity of wisdom as indispensable to rulers (i. 6, vi. 9-25), although they are chiefly directed against the Epicureans, the ungodly who deny immortality, indulge in lust and incest, and mock the righteous and the learned, who in their turn upbraid them for their lawlessness and licentiousness (ii. 1-16). In contrast with them the "saints" (Ḥasidim) whom they expose to torture (ii. 19, iii. 1) and to a martyr's death (iii. 2) are called "sons of God," initiated into His mystery, promised an inheritance in eternal life (i.
    [Show full text]
  • "Book of Job" on the Middle English Morality Plays Cameron Hunt-Logan University of South Florida
    University of South Florida Scholar Commons Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate School 2006 The influence of the "Book of Job" on the Middle English morality plays Cameron Hunt-Logan University of South Florida Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd Part of the American Studies Commons Scholar Commons Citation Hunt-Logan, Cameron, "The influence of the "Book of Job" on the Middle English morality plays" (2006). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/2568 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Influence of the “Book of Job” on the Middle English Morality Plays by Cameron Hunt-Logan A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment Of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Department of English College of Arts and Sciences University of South Florida Major Professor: Nicole Guenther Discenza, Ph.D. Regina Hewitt, Ph.D. Elton Smith, Ph.D. Date of Approval: November 8, 2006 Keywords: castle of perseverance, mankind, wisdom, everyman, medieval drama © Copyright 2006, Cameron Hunt-Logan Table of Contents Chapter I 1 Chapter II 11 Chapter III 65 Works Cited 69 Works Consulted 74 i The Influence of the “Book of Job” on the Middle English Morality Plays Cameron Hunt-Logan ABSTRACT The Book of Job was extremely popular in the Middle Ages, especially in England, because of its role in liturgy as well as lay religious devotion.
    [Show full text]
  • Reading Song of Songs As Wisdom Literature: an Interpretive Approach
    Reading Song of Songs as wisdom literature: An interpretive approach integrating sexuality and spirituality Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements in respect of the Master’s degree Magister Theologiae in the Department of Old Testament in the Faculty of Theology at the University of the Free State. June 2014 Supervisor: Prof. S.D. Snyman Student: Marlene Oosthuizen Declaration I, Marlene Oosthuizen, declare • that the dissertation that I herewith submit for the Master’s degree at the University of the Free State , is my independent work and that I have not previously submitted it for a qualification at another institution of higher education, • that I am aware that the copyright is vested in the University of the Free State, • that all royalties as regards intellectual property that was developed during the course of and/or in connection with the study at the University of the Free State, will accrue to the University. In the event of a written agreement between the University and the student, the written agreement must be submitted in lieu of the declaration by the student, and • that I am aware that the research may only be published with the dean’s approval. Dedication To my fellow pilgrims travelling with me on the complicated road of life: Thank you for guiding me, inspiring me, and encouraging me to live life with passion. To my Beloved and my lover: Thank you for helping me to become fully human. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon
    PROVERBS ECCLESIASTES SONG OF SOLOMON ' .., ---~,,,-. ~ , Palestinian farmer in field of ripe grain This lesson deals with three books: ment that attributes it to Solomon. Proverbs Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of begins "The proverbs of Solomon, son of Solomon. These three books fall together David, king of Israel." Ecclesiastes opens primarily for two reasons. First, tradition with "The words of the Teacher, the son of ascribes all three books to Solomon; and David, king in Jerusalem." The third book second, all three books relate to ancient begins 'The Song of Songs, which is Israelite wisdom. Solomon's." The Old Testament presents Solomon as Scholars today do not assume that the wisest of men in ancient times. Read Solomon wrote any of these books. The I Kings 4:32-34, which indicates something language and ideas in the books suggest a of Solomon's wide learning and wisdom. time much later in Israel's history than the This passage presents Solomon as not reign of Solomon. The Book of Proverbs only the composer of proverbs and songs itself attributes much of the material con­ but also the writer of encyclopedic works tained within it to persons other than about plants, beasts, birds, reptiles, and fish. Solomon. Perhaps Solomon's reputation as Each of these books begins with a state­ the wisest of men and the patron saint of BOOKS OF THE BIBLE 72 wisdom in Israel led later editors and writ­ b. According to verse 7, how can we begin ers to credit material to him. Two books­ to acquire knowledge? What must we do The Wisdom of Solomon and The Psalms first? of Solomon-are ascribed to him but are in the Apocrypha, not in the Protestant Bible.
    [Show full text]
  • Wisdom Christology: How Jesus Becomes God's Wisdom for Us Daniel J
    Cedarville University DigitalCommons@Cedarville Faculty Books 4-20-2011 Wisdom Christology: How Jesus Becomes God's Wisdom for Us Daniel J. Ebert Cedarville University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/faculty_books Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Ebert, Daniel J., "Wisdom Christology: How Jesus Becomes God's Wisdom for Us" (2011). Faculty Books. 13. http://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/faculty_books/13 This Book is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@Cedarville, a service of the Centennial Library. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Books by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Cedarville. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Wisdom Christology: How Jesus Becomes God's Wisdom for Us Disciplines Biblical Studies | Christianity | Practical Theology | Religion | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Publisher P & R Publishing Publisher's Note Reprinted from Wisdom Christology: How Jesus Becomes God's Wisdom for Us by Daniel J. Ebert, copyright 2011, P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg, NJ ISBN 978-1596381025 This book is available at DigitalCommons@Cedarville: http://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/faculty_books/13 Wisdom Christology Ebert_Wisdom Christology.indd 1 2/7/11 4:27:00 PM Explorations in Biblical Theology Election and Free Will: God’s Gracious Choice and Our Responsibility Anointed with the Spirit and Power: The Holy Spirit’s Empowering Presence The Nearness of God: His Presence with His People The Elder: Today’s Ministry Rooted in All of Scripture Our Secure Salvation: Preservation and Apostasy Robert A.
    [Show full text]