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I removed the word “apocryphal” for its sectarian implications, since it is not considered as such by all sects of religious Jews and/or Christians. Tags: Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit |
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The Book of Sirach contains the only instance in a biblical text of explicit praise for physicians (chapter {{bibleverse-nb|Sirach|38|NRSV}}), though other biblical passages take for granted that medical treatment should be used when necessary.<ref name=Exodus21>{{Bibleverse|Exodus|21:19|HE}}</ref><ref name=Ezekiel34>{{Bibleverse|Ezekiel|34:4|HE}}</ref> This is a direct challenge against the idea that illness and disease were seen as penalties for sin, to be cured only by repentance.<ref name=Snaith1974>Snaith, John G. (1974), ''Eccleciasticus, or the Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach'', The Cambridge Bible Commentary on the New English Bible, Cambridge University Press {{page?|date=October 2022}}</ref>
As in [[Ecclesiastes]], the author exhibits two opposing tendencies: the faith and the morality of earlier times, and an [[Epicureanism]] of modern date. Occasionally Sirach digresses to attack theories that he considers dangerous; for example, that man has no freedom of will, and that God is indifferent to the actions of mankind and does not reward virtue. Some of the refutations of these views are developed at considerable length.
Throughout the text runs the prayer of Israel imploring God to gather together his scattered children, to bring to fulfillment the predictions of the Prophets, and to have mercy upon his Temple and his people. The book concludes with a justification of God, whose wisdom and greatness are said to be revealed in all God's works as well as in the history of Israel. The book ends with the author's attestation, followed by two hymns (chapter {{bibleverse-nb|Sirach|51|NRSV}}), the latter a sort of alphabetical [[acrostic]].
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