Understanding Wisdom Literature : Conflict and Dissonance in the Hebrew Text

Penchansky, David

ISBN 10: 0802867065 / ISBN 13: 9780802867063

Published by Eerdmans Publishing Company, William B., 2012

Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 38747789-6

Synopsis:

Israelite wisdom, literature, David Penchansky argues, records the disputes of ancient sages over basic human questions: What is the purpose of life? Is God just? Why do we suffer? Does God even exist? Penchansky sees confl icting answers to these questions in Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Ben Sira, and the Wisdom of Solomon -- and does not try to harmonize them. Instead, he fi nds meaning in the very dissonance and contradiction within these texts.

Employing the latest scholarship yet remaining accessible to nonspecialists and students, Penchansky strikingly focuses on the "big picture" behind wisdom literature -- making it easy for readers to follow and appreciate these challenging texts -- without undermining each book's distinctive features. In the process, Penchansky opens up this rich and fertile vein of Israelite thought and demonstrates the renewed relevance of ancient Hebrew wisdom for today.

About the Author: David Penchansky is professor of theology at the Universityof St. Thomas, Saint Paul, Minnesota. His other booksinclude Twilight of the Gods: Polytheism in the HebrewBible and What Rough Beast? Images of God in theHebrew Bible.,

Bibliographic Details

Title: Understanding Wisdom Literature : Conflict ...
Publisher: Eerdmans Publishing Company, William B.
Publication Date: 2012
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Very Good