second edition

INTRODUCING

the Apocrypha

Message, Context, and Significance

David A. deSilva

Foreword by James H. Charlesworth

a division of Baker Publishing Group

Grand Rapids, Michigan

© 2002, 2018 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

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.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: DeSilva, David Arthur, author.

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

Description: Second Edition. | Grand Rapids : Baker Publishing Group, 2018. | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2017046795 | ISBN 9780801097416 (pbk.)

Subjects: LCSH: Bible. Apocrypha—Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Classification: LCC BS1700 .D44 2018 | DDC 229/.061—dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017046795

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

In honor of the God

who was never without a witness in the world

Contents

Foreword by James H. Charlesworth

Preface to the Second Edition

Preface to the First Edition

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. Greek 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”

Bibliographies

Works Cited

Scripture Index

Ancient Writings Index

Author Index

Subject Index...

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About Introducing the Apocrypha: Message, Context, and Significance (Second Edition)

This comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to the Old Testament apocryphal books summarizes their context, message, and significance. It is the most substantial introduction to the Apocrypha available and has become a standard authority on the topic. The new edition has been substantially revised and updated throughout to reflect the latest scholarship.

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Table of Contents