Sagacious Hospitality in the Book of Sirach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/BPTh.2016.016Keywords
The Biblical Theology, The Book of Ben Sira, HospitalityAbstract
The Book of Sirach is the synthesis of the sage's teachings, as one who sought to instill in his disciples the rules of a proper way of life, in accordance with the faith and traditions of their fathers. The sage's activity (3rd and 2nd centuries BC) marks a time of dynamic growth of Hellenistic thought and culture, which gradually became more and more prevalent across the Ancient Near East. Hellenism, understood as a way of life, was embraced as an alternative by certain less zealous, less strictly observant Jews, and this met with the strong opposition of Sirach. The sage was aware that the nation of Israel had an inculcated ideal of hospitality and assistance to the needy, yet he recommended sagacity and caution in this realm. Being the guest of someone (Sirach 29:21–28) was often connected with a humiliating economic dependence. To accept all strangers, including devious persons (Sirach 11:29–34), as guests, could expose the hosts to material and moral losses. The sage's advice draws attention to the fact that being a stranger does not mean the same as it once did. Whereas the accent was formerly placed solely on the ethnic dimension, it has now been shifted to the economic, ethical and ideological aspects of life.References
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