Herders theologischer Kommentar zum Alten Testament / Jesus Sirach 1-23

Jesus Sirach, the work of a scribe from Jerusalem from the beginning of the 2nd century BC, is with 51 chapters the most extensive wisdom writing of the Bible. The eventful and difficult history of its textual transmission is testimony to a book on the frontier of the canon. It reflects a political and spiritual turning point in Palestine. Challenged by the encounter with the culture of Hellenism, the author seeks answers and orientation. His deep anchorage in the tradition enables him, with all restraint, to be open at the same time to new impulses of thought and practice. The interpretation follows the Greek text as the first complete version of the book.