Introducing
the Apocrypha

Message, Context, and Significance

David A. deSilva

Foreword by James H. Charlesworth

© 2002 by David A. deSilva

Published by Baker Academic

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516–6287

www.bakeracademic.com

ISBN 0–8010-3103–6

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

The Library of Congress has cataloged the hardcover edition as follows:

DeSilva, David Arthur.

Introducing the Apocrypha : message, context, and significance / David A. deSilva.

    p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and indexes.

ISBN 0–8010-2319-X (cloth)

1. Bible. O.T. Apocrypha—Criticism, interpretation, etc. I. Title.

BS1700 .D44 2002

229’.061—dc21 2001056532

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission.

In honor of the God
who was never without a witness
in the world

Contents

Foreword by James H. Charlesworth

Preface

Abbreviations

1. Introduction The Value of the Apocrypha

2. Historical Context “The Yoke of the Gentiles”

3. Tobit “Better Is Almsgiving with Justice”

4. Judith “Hear Me Also, a Widow”

5. Additions to Esther “The Aid of the All-Seeing God and Savior”

6. Wisdom of Solomon “The Righteous Live Forever”

7. Wisdom of Ben Sira “In All Wisdom There Is the Doing of Torah”

8. Baruch “Return with Tenfold Zeal to Seek God”

9. Letter of Jeremiah “They Are Not Gods, So Do Not Fear Them”

10. Additions to Daniel “Let Them Know That You Alone Are God”

11. 1 Maccabees “The Family through Which Deliverance Was Given”

12. 2 Maccabees “There Is Some Power of God about the Place”

13. 1 Esdras “Leave to Us a Root and a Name”

14. Prayer of Manasseh “The God of Those Who Repent”

15. Psalm 151 “He Made Me Shepherd of His Flock”

16. 3 Maccabees “Blessed Be the Deliverer of Israel”

17. 2 Esdras “The Mighty One Has Not Forgotten”

18. 4 Maccabees “Noble Is the Contest”

Reference List

Index of Authors

Index of Subjects

Index of Scripture and Other Ancient Writings

Foreword

Bending the Knee of the Heart in an Apocryphon: A High-Water Mark in Jewish Theology

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About Introducing the Apocrypha: Message, Context, and Significance

In Introducing the Apocrypha, David deSilva considers the controversial apocryphal (or “deuterocanonical”) texts of the Scriptures, revealing their significance for all sects of Christianity. For each text, he provides a thorough examination of its structure, contents, formative influences, date of composition, and other background details. He also presents clear summations of each book’s themes and lessons. Whether one is Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, or Protestant, these books should be read and studied for their inherent value.

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