The Wisdom of Solomon

The Wisdom of Solomon Synopsis

Although much about this apocryphal book of the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) is unknown, it remains an influential and much-studied work. J. A. F. Gregg (1873–1961), who was educated at Christ's College, Cambridge, and later became Church of Ireland archbishop of Dublin and then of Armagh, gives an extensive introduction to his edition of the English version, published in the 'Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges' series in 1909. He examines the complicated problem of dating the text, as well as the question of its original language and possible author, concluding this was most likely a Jewish person from Alexandria, at some time after the second century BCE, and not King Solomon himself. The text itself examines many aspects of wisdom, from its inherent nature to its role in the protection of Israelites. Gregg provides notes throughout, making this volume a detailed guide to an important piece of sacred writing.