EXPLORING OLD TESTAMENT WISDOM
Literature and themes
Editors David G. Firth and Lindsay Wilson
IVP. 232 pages. £13.99
ISBN 978 1 783 594 306
This valuable volume builds upon the recognition that wisdom has tended to be marginalised in biblical studies (and Christian preaching).
Welcoming a recent resurgence of interest, it offers a valuable conservative and evangelical analysis and contribution to these developments. Inevitably the essays are uneven and the coverage of the various biblical books left to the emphases and interests of each author. However, rarely do they disappoint.
Magisterial evaluation
The ‘stand out’ essay is that by Craig Barthlomew. Under the uninspiring title ‘Old Testament Wisdom Today’, he offers a magisterial evaluation of current hermeneu-tical trends, that applies far more widely than wisdom. The book is excellent value for this contribution alone!
The main part of the volume is divided into two sections. The first looks at the four biblical wisdom books in turn. Ernest Lucas examines some contemporary issues in relation to Proverbs, Lindsay Wilson examines the ‘problem’ of Job, Katherine J. Dell offers a helpful interaction with modern readings of Ecclesiastes, while Rosalind Clarke offers a pastorally-nuanced evaluation of the Song.
Wisdom themes
The final section comprises six essays that explore ‘themes’ within wisdom; especially examining wisdom within the wider Old Testament context. These are, inevitably, somewhat scattergun in approach, as the potential range of subjects is legion. Gregory Goswell suggests that the location of Ruth within the Hebrew canon invites exploring it as a ‘conversation partner’ of wisdom. David G. Firth extends this to Old Testament narrative as a whole. Simon P. Stocks explores the manner in which wisdom helps shape some psalmic material. Together these essays helpfully demonstrate that wisdom is not a discrete category that only applies to the more obvious texts and books.
Divine absence?
In the remaining essays, Lennart Bostrom explores the development of the theme of retribution. Particularly interesting are the contributions of Christopher B. Ansberry who seeks to rectify the neglect of wisdom in biblical theology while Brittany N. Melton looks at the theme of divine absence in Proverbs through to Ecclesiastes. Again, these essays demonstrate that wisdom cannot be isolated from other genres within the biblical literature.
This book represents an encouraging recognition that to be ‘Bible people’ we simply cannot neglect one genre or its contribution to the biblical mindset. It is an illuminating and, in places, inspiring read that will appeal to students and reflective preachers.
