Tree of Life, 3rd ed.: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature

by Roland E. Murphy

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2002

Overview

Since 1990 Roland Murphy’s Tree of Life has been a standard introduction to the wisdom literature of the Bible. Now The Tree of Life is available in a third edition, complete with a new preface by the author and a special supplement that surveys the latest developments in wisdom research. This superb study thoroughly explores the wisdom writings of the Bible, interpreting this literature in a way that illumines the development of Israel’s search for wisdom throughout its tumultuous history. Murphy looks at each wisdom book individually -- Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiasticus, and Wisdom of Solomon -- and adds to them a discussion of wisdom from other parts of the Old Testament. His careful investigations expose the various guises that wisdom adopts -- the “fear of the Lord,” moral formation, the universality of human experience, the mysteries of creation, and others.

Key Features

• Explores the wisdom writings of the Bible.
• Illumines the development of Israel’s search for wisdom.
• Exposes the various guises that wisdom adopts.

Praise for Tree of Life

Murphy is one of the acclaimed doyens of the study of biblical literature... This is a rich escort, providing many worthwhile insights into the wisdom literature.

--Hebrew Studies

Murphy combines sound scholarship with a rich pedagogical approach... This book can be recommended in every way. It provides a sure path for the uninitiated and may even provide new insights for the expert.

--Catholic Library World

Highly recommended for both collegiate and graduate school students. Unquestionably, this work is one of the finest introductions to Israel's wisdom literature in print.

--Review of Biblical Literature

Product Details

• Title: The Tree of Life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature
• Author: Roland E. Murphy
• Edition: Third Edition
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2002
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Pages: 286
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Wisdom literature › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Wisdom (Biblical personification)
• Resource ID: LLS:TRLF3RDBBWSDMLT
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-01-09T22:15:02Z

About Roland E. Murphy

Roland Murphy (1917–2002) was George Washington Ivey Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus at Duke University and adjunct professor of biblical studies at the Washington Theological Union. He contributed to the Song of Songs volume in Hermeneia on CD-ROM 2.0 (43 Vols.)