Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:The Wisdom of Solomon, also known simply as "Wisdom," is a book found in the Apocrypha, a collection of ancient writings included in the Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate but not in the Hebrew Bible. Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, the book is considered a work of Jewish Hellenistic literature, likely composed in the late first century BCE or early first century CE. It is revered for its profound insights into wisdom, justice, and the nature of God. Authorship and Date: While the book is attributed to Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel, scholarly consensus suggests it was written by an unknown Jewish author in Alexandria, Egypt. The attribution to Solomon is seen as a literary device to lend authority and credibility to the text. The book reflects a blend of Jewish theology and Greek philosophy, indicative of the Hellenistic influence prevalent in Alexandria during this period. Structure and Content: The Wisdom of Solomon is divided into three main sections: 1. The Pursuit of Wisdom (Chapters 1-5): This section emphasizes the moral and ethical dimensions of wisdom. It contrasts the fate of the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the eternal rewards of the former and the ultimate futility of the latter. The text encourages readers to seek wisdom, which is portrayed as a divine gift leading to immortality. A key verse states, "For righteousness is immortal" (Wisdom 1:15). 2. The Nature and Role of Wisdom (Chapters 6-9): Here, wisdom is personified and described as a guiding force in creation and governance. The author extols wisdom's virtues, asserting that it is more valuable than wealth or power. Solomon's prayer for wisdom is a central theme, reflecting his desire for understanding to rule justly. The text declares, "For wisdom is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire compares with her" (Proverbs 8:11). 3. Wisdom in History (Chapters 10-19): This section recounts the role of wisdom in Israel's history, from the Exodus to the reign of Solomon. It illustrates how wisdom has been a protective and guiding force for God's people. The narrative underscores the deliverance of the righteous and the downfall of the wicked, reinforcing the theme of divine justice. Theological Themes: The Wisdom of Solomon explores several key theological themes: · Divine Wisdom: The book presents wisdom as an emanation of God's glory, a reflection of His eternal light. It is both a gift from God and a means of understanding His will. · Immortality and Justice: The text emphasizes the immortality of the soul and the ultimate justice of God. The righteous are assured of eternal life, while the wicked face divine retribution. · Creation and Providence: Wisdom is depicted as an agent in creation, highlighting God's providential care for the world. The book affirms the order and purpose inherent in creation, guided by divine wisdom. · Moral and Ethical Living: The pursuit of wisdom is linked to moral and ethical living. The text encourages adherence to righteousness, justice, and piety as expressions of true wisdom. Canonical Status: The Wisdom of Solomon is included in the Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate, making it part of the canon for Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. However, it is not included in the Jewish Tanakh or the Protestant Old Testament. Despite its non-canonical status in Protestant traditions, the book is valued for its literary beauty and theological insights. Influence and Legacy: The Wisdom of Solomon has had a significant impact on Christian thought, particularly in the areas of Christology and soteriology. Its themes of wisdom, justice, and immortality resonate with New Testament teachings, and its influence can be seen in the writings of early Church Fathers. The book continues to be studied for its rich theological content and its contribution to the understanding of wisdom literature in the biblical tradition. Smith's Bible Dictionary The Wisdom of Solomona, book of the Apocrypha, may be divided into two parts, the first, chs. 1-9, containing the doctrine of wisdom in its moral and intellectual aspects: the second, the doctrine of wisdom as shown in history. chs. 10-19. The first part contains the praise of wisdom as the source of immortality, in contrast with the teaching of sensualists; and next the praise of wisdom as the guide of practical and intellectual life, the stay of princes, and the interpreter of the universe. The second part, again, follows the action of wisdom summarily, as preserving God's servants, from Adam to Moses, and more particularly in the punishment of the Egyptians and Canaanites. Style and language . --The literary character of the book is most remarkable and interesting. In the richness and freedom of its vocabulary it most closely resembles the Fourth Book of Maccabees, but it is superior to that fine declamation in both power and variety of diction. The magnificent description of wisdom ch. 7:22-8:1, must rank among the noblest passages of human eloquence, and it would be perhaps impossible to point out any piece of equal length in the remains of classical antiquity more pregnant with noble thought or more rich in expressive phraseology. Doctrinal character. --The theological teaching of the book offers, in many respects, the nearest approach to the language and doctrines of Greek philosophy that is found in any Jewish writing up to the time of Philo. There is much in the views which it gives of the world of man and of the divine nature which springs rather from the combination or conflict of Hebrew and Greek thought than from the independent development of Hebrew thought alone. The conception is presented of the body as a mere weight and clog to the soul. ch, 9:15; contrast (2 Corinthians 5:1-4) There is, on the other hand no trace of the characteristic Christian doctrine of a resurrection of the body. The identification of the tempter, (Genesis 3:1) ... directly or indirectly with the devil, as the bringer "of death into the world" ch. 2:23, 24, is the most remarkable development of biblical doctrine which the book contains. Generally, too, it may be observed that, as in the cognate books, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, there are few traces of the recognition of the sinfulness even of the wise man in his wisdom, which forms in the Psalms and the prophets, the basis of the Christian doctrine of the atonement: yet comp. (Genesis 15:2) In connection with the Old Testament Scriptures, the book, as a whole, may be regarded as carrying on one step farther the great problem of life contained in Ecclesiastes and Job. Date. --From internal evidence it seems most reasonable to believe that the work was composed in Greek at Alexandria some time before the time of Philo-about 120-80 B.C. It seems impossible to study this book dispassionately and not feel that it forms one of the last links in the chain of providential connection between the Old and New Covenants. It would not be easy to find elsewhere any pre-Christian view of religion equally wide, sustained and definite. Library The History of Solomon But it Should be Known that There are Also Other Books which Our ... The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs Appendix. Introduction Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom. Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom. Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ... 'A Greater than Solomon' This State of Prayer not one of Idleness, but of Noble Action ... Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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