: Bradley Gregory
: Like an Everlasting Signet Ring Generosity in the Book of Sirach
: Walter de Gruyter GmbH& Co.KG
: 9783110223675
: Deuterocanonical and Cognate Literature StudiesISSN
: 1
: CHF 171.60
:
: Christentum
: English
: 395
: Wasserzeichen
: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
: PDF
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This work explores the theological and social dimensions of generosity in the book of Sirach and contextualizes them within the culture and thought of Second Temple Judaism. Ben Sira’s understanding of generosity is intertwined with issues of justice and its breakdown in his own socio-economic environment. Ben Sira believes that giving generously is an essential part of a Wisdom-Torah ethic of mercy. By relieving the plight of the poor the generous person imitates God’s own special care for the poor and will receive future blessings in return.

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Bradley C. Gregory, University of Notre Dame, IN, USA.

Preface7
Table of Contents9
Abbreviations13
Chapter 1. Introduction19
Chapter 2. Wealth, Poverty, and the Problem of Justice43
Chapter 3. Death, Generosity, and the Good Life109
Chapter 4. Generosity through Loans and Surety146
Chapter 5. Generosity through Almsgiving189
Chapter 6. Almsgiving and Sacrifice in Sirach240
Chapter 7. The Extent of Almsgiving in Sirach272
Chapter 8. Synthesis272
309272
Appendix Text Criticism of Select Passages313
Bibliography346
Index of Modern Authors371
Index of References377