Wisdom’s Root Revealed: Ben Sira and the Election of Israe...

This study examines the theme of election in the Book of Sirach (Ben Sira), challenging previous interpretations that view the text as promoting a dualistic worldview. It argues that Ben Sira presents a nuanced relationship between Wisdom and Torah, suggesting that Israel's election is central to understanding this connection. The work explores how Ben Sira distinguishes between general wisdom, accessible to all through creation, and special wisdom, granted to Israel through the Torah. It also discusses the roles of tradition, piety, and eschatology in Ben Sira's thought, highlighting the complexities of his theological perspectives during the Second Temple period.