The Book of Proverbs in Social and Theological Context

This book discusses the social and theological contexts for the varied material in the book of Proverbs.

Katharine J. Dell (Author)

9780521633055, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 July 2006

236 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.44 kg

'Dell's book is certainly an important contribution to the scholarly debate on the Proverbs' social contexts and wisdom theology within the Hebrew Bible. With this precious work, we can say now figuratively, wisdom has taken a great and secure step towards full 'reconciliation' with other OT traditions.' Biblica

The book of Proverbs is the starting point of the biblical wisdom tradition. But how did individual proverbs, instructions and poems come together to form the various collections we have today? Katharine Dell explores the possible social contexts for this varied material in the royal court, wisdom schools and popular culture. She draws shrewdly on materials from the wisdom traditions of the ancient Near East, in particular Egypt, in order to bolster and enhance her theories. She argues that Proverbs had a theological purpose from its conception, with God's creativity being an integral theme of the text rather than one added in later redactions. Dell also shows that echoes of other Old Testament genres such as prophecy, law and cult can be found in Proverbs, notably in chapters 1-9, and that its social and theological context is much broader than scholars have recognised in the past.

Introduction
1. Social context(s) in Proverbs 1-9
2. Social context(s) in Proverbs 10:1-22:16
3. Social context(s) in Proverbs 22:17-31:31
4. Mention of Yahweh in Proverbs
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: History of religion [HRAX], Religion: general [HRA]