DESCRIPTION
It can be a challenge to understand the Hebrew Bible’s wisdom literature and how it relates to biblical history and theology, but John L. McLaughlin makes this complicated genre straightforward and accessible.
This introductory-level textbook begins by explaining the meaning of wisdom to the Israelites and surrounding cultures before moving into the conventions of the genre and its poetic forms. The heart of the book examines Proverbs, Job, Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes), and the deuterocanonical Ben Sira and Wisdom of Solomon. McLaughlin also explores the influence of wisdom throughout the Old Testament and in the New Testament.
Designed especially for beginning students—and based on twenty-five years of teaching Israel’s wisdom literature to university students—McLaughlin’s Introduction to Israel’s Wisdom Traditions provides an informed, panoramic view of wisdom literature’s place in the biblical canon.
REVIEWS
Mark S. Smith
— Princeton Theological Seminary
“Offers an excellent, accessible reading of wisdom across the Bible. McLaughlin brings readers into the world of wisdom ranging from Egypt to Mesopotamia, and he masterfully presents the conventions of Hebrew poetry. . . . A pleasure to read, most highly recommended.”
Gary N. Knoppers
— University of Notre Dame
“A welcome introduction to an understudied and underappreciated body of biblical literature. McLaughlin provides helpful, concise, and insightful discussions of all of the wisdom books found in the Hebrew Bible and the deutero-canon.”
Review of Biblical Literature
“This work is an excellent introduction to the field of biblical wisdom scholarship written by one who has read and considered an exhaustive and comprehensive library on the subject.”
Interpretation
“Excellent. . . . Particularly valuable is McLaughlin’s discussion of Hebrew poetry, which covers a rich array of poetic structures in a compact and readable format.”
Society for Old Testament Study Book List
“There have been many worthwhile ‘Introductions’ in recent years, but this is one that would be on my list for the beginning student of Wisdom Literature in ancient Israel.”