Old Testament Wisdom, Third Edition: An Introduction

by James L. Crenshaw

Overview

For thirty years, James Crenshaw's Old Testament Wisdom has been the premier introduction to the wisdom books of the Old Testament. That tradition continues with this newly updated edition. This popular textbook introduces readers to the wisdom tradition as well as the biblical books of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Sirach, and the Wisdom of Solomon. In addition, Crenshaw offers expert analysis of the legacy of wisdom in other parts of the canon and in other cultures, offering new insights and fresh perspectives that can only come from one so well versed on the significance of Old Testament wisdom.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664234591
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	02/01/2010
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)
Lexile:	1340L (what's this?)

About the Author

James L. Crenshawserved as Robert L. Flowers Professorof Old Testament atDuke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina.

Table of Contents

Preface to the First Edition ix

Preface to the Revised Edition xi

Preface to the Third Edition xiii

Abbreviations xiv

Introduction: On Defining Wisdom 1

1 The World of Wisdom 23

2 The Sapiential Tradition 41

3 The Pursuit of Knowledge: Proverbs 61

4 The Search for Divine Presence: Job 97

5 The Chasing after Meaning: Ecclesiastes 127

6 The Quest for Survival: Sirach 155

7 The Widening Hunt: Wisdom of Solomon, Psalms with Affinities to Wisdom, and Beyond 181

8 The Reciprocating Touch: Knowledge of God in Wisdom Literature 207

9 Wisdom's Legacy 229

10 Egyptian and Mesopotamian Wisdom Literature 251

Conclusion 273

Bibliography (Selected and Annotated) 277

Index of Ancient Sources 289

Index of Authors 296

Index of Hebrew and Greek Words 302

Index of Subjects 304

Editorial Reviews

"Crenshaw's treatment delights the scholar while not stultifying the student. It deserves a prize for scholarship and insight."—James Chukwuma Okoye, CSSp, The Bible Today, July 2010 p.234

From the Publisher