Foreign Nations in the Wisdom of Ben Sira: A Jewish Sage between Opposition and Assimilation

Research notes: 
Reader Checked OA 17/06/2013
Reference type: 
Book
Author(s): 
Marttila, Marko
year: 
2012
Full title: 

Foreign Nations in the Wisdom of Ben Sira: A Jewish Sage between Opposition and Assimilation

Translated title: 
Journal / Book Title || Series Title: 
Deuterocanonical and Cognate Literature Studies
Volume: 
Issue / Series Volume: 
13
Number of volumes: 
0
Series Title: 
Abbreviated Series Name: 
Collaborating Author: 
Place of Publication: 
Berlin
Publisher: 
de Gruyter
Pages: 
Chapter: 
Work type: 
Abstract: 

Ben Sira lived in an era when Hellenistic influences continued to spread in Palestine. The supreme political power was in the hands of foreign rulers. Under these circumstances it is no wonder that Ben Sira discusses the position of foreign nations in several passages. The tone varies due to the given context. This study demonstrates that Ben Sira’s relationship to foreign nations is best defined as “balanced”, as his attitude is neither thoroughly hostile nor that of uncritically embracing Gentiles. On the basis of certain passages, one can get the impression that even the foreigners could be recipients of the Torah. On the other hand, some nations were regarded by earlier biblical authors as archenemies of Israel, and these anti-elect people caused also Ben Sira’s anger to be provoked. Ben Sira was deeply rooted in Judaism but this did not prevent him from being open toward foreign influences as far as they were compatible with his religious and cultural heritage.

Notes: 
Language: 
Alternative title: 
Date: 
Primary Texts: Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha: 
Composition / Author: 
Ben Sira
Passage: 
16^17
Composition / Author: 
Ben Sira
Passage: 
24
Composition / Author: 
Ben Sira
Passage: 
36
Composition / Author: 
Ben Sira
Passage: 
44^50
Edition: 
Original Publication: 
Reprint edition: 
URL: 
http://www.degruyter.com/view/product/179783
DOI: 
ISBN: 
Accession number: 
Call num: 
Label: 
05/03/2012
Record number: 
18 712