An Introduction to Israel's Wisdom Traditions

by John L. McLaughlin

Overview

It can be a challenge to understand the Hebrew Bible’s wisdom literature and how it relates to biblical history and theology, but John L. McLaughlin makes this complicated genre straightforward and accessible.

This introductory-level textbook begins by explaining the meaning of wisdom to the Israelites and surrounding cultures before moving into the conventions of the genre and its poetic forms. The heart of the book examines Proverbs, Job, Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes), and the deuterocanonical Ben Sira and Wisdom of Solomon. McLaughlin also explores the influence of wisdom throughout the Old Testament and in the New Testament.

Designed especially for beginning students—and based on twenty-five years of teaching Israel’s wisdom literature to university students—McLaughlin’s Introduction to Israel’s Wisdom Traditions provides an informed, panoramic view of wisdom literature’s place in the biblical canon.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802874542
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	05/22/2018
Pages:	230
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

John L. McLaughlin is associate professor of Old Testament / Hebrew Bible in the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael's College, Toronto. His previous books include What are They Saying about Ancient Israelite Religion? and The Ancient Near East: An Essential Guide.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Abbreviations ix

Introduction: The Nature of Wisdom 1

1 The International Context for Israel's Wisdom 11

2 The Expression of Wisdom 25

3 Proverbs 42

4 Job 70

5 Qoheleth 88

6 Ben Sira 112

7 The Wisdom of Solomon 131

8 Wisdom Influence in the First Testament 141

9 Wisdom Theology 171

10 The Continuation of Wisdom 182

Index of Authors 194

Index of Subjects 199

Index of Ancient Texts 203

Editorial Reviews

Mark S. Smith
— Princeton Theological Seminary
“Offers an excellent, accessible reading of wisdom across the Bible. McLaughlin brings readers into the world of wisdom ranging from Egypt to Mesopotamia, and he masterfully presents the conventions of Hebrew poetry. . . . A pleasure to read, most highly recommended.”

Gary N. Knoppers
— University of Notre Dame
“A welcome introduction to an understudied and underappreciated body of biblical literature. McLaughlin provides helpful, concise, and insightful discussions of all of the wisdom books found in the Hebrew Bible and the deutero-canon.

From the Publisher