Sirach

by Jerome Corley

Overview

The book of Sirach praises the study of the law, the wisdom of the men of old and their prophecies. Its author is well-read and rearticulates traditional Jewish wisdom for his generation, centering it on fear of the Lord, and clearly asserting that wisdom is a gift from God. He encourages his audience to remain steadfast in following the law of Moses rather than following the ways of the dominant pagan Greek culture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814628553
Publisher:	Liturgical Press, The
Publication date:	01/01/2013
Series:	New Collegeville Bible Commentary , #21
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Jeremy Corley is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Portsmouth, UK. Following several years of parish ministry, he completed a doctorate in biblical studies at the Catholic University of America. He has published books and articles on biblical topics, especially the book of Sirach, and now teaches Scripture at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Ireland.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations 4

The Book of Sirach

Introduction 5

Text and Commentary 9

Grandson's Prologue 9

Understanding Wisdom (1:1-4:10) 12

Using Wisdom Personally (4:11-6:17) 21

Applying Wisdom Socially (6:18-14:19) 25

Wisdom in Speech and Thought (14:20-23:27) 44

Wisdom in Domestic Life (24:1-32:13) 68

Using Wisdom to Make Good Decisions (32:14-38:23) 89

Demonstrating the Results of Wisdom (38:24-42:14) 106

Wisdom in Creation and History (42:15-50:24) 119

Postscripts and Appendices (50:25-51:30) 144

Review Aids and Discussion Topics 149

Index of Citations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church 152

Editorial Reviews

This new work is an excellent commentary written by Dr. Jeremy Corley, one of the foremost experts on Sirach (the Wisdom of Ben Sira). Corley’s familiarity with the vast literature on this fascinating Wisdom book shines through his concise comments. Especially valuable are the many cross references he provides to other parts of Sirach as well as to the rest of Old Testament and even the New Testament. Corley’s work ranks among the best short commentaries available today.“
            Alexander A. Di Lella, OFM
            Professor Emeritus Biblical Studies
            The Catholic University of America
Author of The Wisdom of Ben Sira (Anchor Bible vol. 39; New York: Doubleday, 1987)

“Dr. Jeremy Corley is an internationally recognized expert on the Book of Sirach. In this commentary, he provides a compact but helpful guide to unpacking the riches of this often-neglected book, especially its multiple connections with the rest of the Bible and with other ancient literature. He manages to say a great deal in relatively few pages.”
            Rev. Christopher Begg
            Professor of Biblical Studies
            School of Theology and Religious Studies
            The Catholic University of America
            Washington, DC

From the Publisher