STEFFANY R.

BOLO BSCE 1-P

BOOK OF SIRACH

The Book of Sirach, is part of the Wisdom Literature of the Greek Septuagint and the Latin
Vulgate Bible. While originally written in Hebrew, the Book was read only through its Greek
translation, known as Σιράχ. The Book was not included in the Hebrew Masoretic Text as part
of the Hebrew Canon of the Old Testament. Ben Sira writes about Simon the High Priest
(reigned 219-196 BCE) in the past tense. But he mentions nothing about the insurrection of the
high priesthood orchestrated by Jason, the youngest son of Simon. This was a time of
prosperity in Jerusalem. But the world was changing and many Jews were agitating for more
Hellenization - adoption of the Greek way of life- that would bring more opportunities for trade
and political interaction.

Initially, Simon was succeeded by his son, Onias, who reigned from 196-175 BCE. Onias was
renowned for being very observant of the Torah and making obedience to it the priority of
Jewish life. But when Antiochus IV took the throne in 175 BCE, he immediately replaced Onias
with his brother, Jason, who promised to promote more Hellenization. Jason, however,
obtained his position by offering Antiochus a high price for the priesthood instead of through
the normal succession. This was very significant and increased the fissure among those Jews
who believed in the sanctity of succession and those who wanted a more Hellenized city. Since
Ben Sira is silent on all this turmoil, it probably means he lived before this happened.

The book includes traditional Jewish wisdom material and makes a defense of Judaism by
showing that God has given true wisdom to His people. Many subjects of a religious, moral, and
practical nature are presented, somtimes at length and sometimes in short proverbial sayings.

AUTHORSHIP AND DATE:

Joshua ben Sirach, or, according to the Greek text "Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem", was a
Jewish scribe who had been living in Jerusalem, and may have authored the work in Alexandria,
Egypt, Written in Hebrew in the early years of the second century B.C., the book was finished by
ca. 175. It was later on translated into Greek by his grandson.