The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament in English; with introductions and critical and explanatory notes to the several books Volume 1

by R.H. Charles

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913 edition. ...God will receive discipline (xxxii.xxxv.i4), i.e. any misfortune which befalls the righteous is looked upon as a discipline, and is, therefore, in reality for his benefit. None of these attempted solutions could, however, have been regarded as satisfactory, for they did not account for the divine acquiescence in the prosperity of the wicked, however much they might satisfy men as to the necessity of adversity for the righteous. In one passage Ben-Sira does strike out a somewhat original line of thought in seeking a solution of the mystery, though within the limits of the present life; a wicked man may, he says in effect, enjoy prosperity all his life, but so terrible may God cause his last hours to be that all his former enjoyment of life becomes wholly obliterated, and thus the apparent contradiction between the facts of life and the divine justice is harmonized; his words For it is easy in Jahveh's sight At the end to requite a man according to his deeds. An evil time causeth forgetfulness of delights, And the last end of a man will tell of him. Pronounce no man happy before his death; For by his latter end a man shall be known (xi. 26-28). This attempted solution, if it does nothing else, witnesses at any rate to the very earnest desire to try and explain a grave difficulty; and if, as a matter of fact, no advance is made in our book towards a satisfactory solution of what must have constituted a cruel mystery to the God-fearing of 1 Tennant, in the Journal of Theological Studies, ii, p. 209. those days, it cannot cause surprise; with their lack of knowledge concerning the general laws upon which society is based and by which it exists, with their absolute ignorance concerning the laws of nature, with their very hazy conceptions...

Genres: Reference, Christian, Religion

484 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1913

About the author

Robert Henry Charles (1855–1931) was an Irish biblical scholar and theologian. He left parochial work in 1889 to devote himself to biblical research and became the greatest authority of his time in matters of Jewish eschatology and apocrypha. He became a canon at Westminster Abbey in 1913 and archdeacon there in 1919. His books include Eschatology (1913, 2nd ed), Between the Old and New Testaments (1914), and his edition of The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament. (1913). He is known particularly for English translations of apocryphal and pseudepigraphal works, and editions including Jubilees (1895), the Book of Enoch (1906), and the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs (1908) which have been widely used. Among his other publications are The Apocalypse (1920), Divorce and Nullity (1927), and The Resurrection of Man (1930). He was educated at the Belfast Academy, Queen's College, Belfast and Trinity College, Dublin. He gained a D.D. and became Professor of Biblical Greek at Trinity College.

Reviews

[Erin Estes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the book of Judith was my favorite in this collection of texts. A challenge to work through some of the dryer texts, but interesting to read through nonetheless.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I spent a year reading through the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha so you won't have to. It is not easy reading, although it is useful for scholars who are interested in Jewish Literature around the time of Christ. Overall, these are dense books that do not make for fascinating reading.

[Brian Koser]

2024
- Wisdom of Solomon