The Relationship between the Poor in Judea and Israel under Foreign Rule: Sirach 35:14-26 among Second Temple Prayers and Hymns

The transition from the plight of the poor to the plight of Israel under foreign rule in Sir 35:14-26 is far smoother than is generally recognized. This is a result of a typological relationship between the poor and the identity of Israel, which is not only found in Ben Sira's thought but is a common motif in Second Temple prayers and hymns. Attention to the content of Sir 35 as well as the larger trend in Second temple prayers and hymns helps to provide an explanation for the presence of the nationalistic prayer in chapter 36.