Invitation to the Apocrypha

In this volume a leading biblical scholar helps readers rediscover the ancient books of the Old Testament Apocrypha. Invitation to the Apocrypha provides a clear, basic introduction to these important -- but often neglected -- ancient books that is ideal for personal study, churches, and classroom settings.

Using the latest and best scholarship yet writing for those new to the Apocrypha, Daniel Harrington guides readers through the background, content, and message of each book. A distinctive feature of this primer is that it focuses throughout on the problem of suffering, highlighting what each book of the Apocrypha says about this universal human experience.

Daniel J. Harrington, S.J., is professor of New Testament at Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Preface

vii

1. Reading the Old Testament Apocrypha

1

(9)

2. Tobit: We Are Family

10

(17)

3. Judith: By the Hand of a Woman

27

(17)

4. The Additions to Esther: These Things Have Come from God

44

(11)

5. The Wisdom of Solomon: Immortality, Wisdom, and History

55

(23)

6. Ecclesiasticus/Sirach: Fear of the Lord

78

(14)

7. Baruch: Sin, Exile, Repentance, and Return

92

(11)

8. The Letter of Jeremiah: The Folly of Idolatry

103

(6)

9. The Additions to Daniel: Who Is the Living God?

109

(13)

10. 1 Maccabees: God's Dynasty

122

(15)

11. 2 Maccabees: God's Temple

137

(15)

12. 1 Esdras: Rebuilding the People of God

152

(14)

13. The Prayer of Manasseh: The Prayer of the Repentant Sinner

166

(4)

14. Psalm 151: God's Care for David

170

(3)

15. 3 Maccabees: Israel in Crisis and the Divine Deliverer

173

(12)

16. 2 Esdras: Prophecies and Visions of Ezra

185

(22)

17. 4 Maccabees: The Sovereignty of Devout Reason

207

(12)

Index of Names and Subjects

219

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Invitation to the Apocrypha

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials