The Biblical Annals

Healing from Arrogance: Solomon’s Aphorism in the Targumic Tosefta of 1 Kings 5:12–13

2025-11-03T08:37:03+01:00

The Targumic Tosefta attributed to Solomon provides an interpretation of the biblical text of 1 Kgs 5:12–13. By analysing the symbolic differences between the two plants mentioned and by interpreting parallel passages in the rabbinic tradition, the study aims to verify whether the Tosefta allows for a theological reinterpretation of the figure of Solomon and his encyclopaedic knowledge. The main novelty is a reappraisal of the figure of the king who, through the aphorism, gives a lesson in humility: a man who becomes arrogant in his great knowledge becomes as sick as a leper, isolated from his context, and can be healed by recovering a humble attitude, like the biblical hyssop, crushed by all.

Emotions of the Wicked at the Eschatological Judgment in Wisdom 5:1–3 in the Light of Stoic Philosophy

2025-11-03T08:37:00+01:00

The article examines the emotions experienced by the wicked at the moment of eschatological judgement in Wis 5:1–3. The accumulation of terms related to the subject of emotions in such a short section seems to have theological significance. To understand how the wicked are portrayed, it is necessary to consider the influence of Stoic philosophy, in which the experience of emotions, specifically suffering and fear, was a sign of a lack of philosophical wisdom. In this way, the author presents the wicked not only as deserving of condemnation in the light of biblical revelation, but also as people who are critically judged by Stoicism because they act under the influence of emotions. This succumbing to emotions meant that the ungodly were unable to make logical choices and ultimately failed to achieve their life goal, which, according to the Stoics, is to live in accordance with man’s calling, i.e. to live a rational life. This lack of wisdom and persecution of the righteous are also considered significant flaws in the context of Old Testament revelation, because they bring ultimate punishment upon them.

"Incense Fragrant, Honey, Music": The Meaning of Pictorial Comparisons in Josiah’s Praise (Sir 49:1)

2025-11-03T08:37:07+01:00

Sirach describes King Josiah in the Praise of the Ancestors (Sir 44–49) in just three verses (Sir 49:1–3). This praise ends with a conclusion (49:4) that connects Josiah with David and Hezekiah, recognised as the only positive rulers of Judah. The sage laconically emphasises Josiah’s reform efforts. He draws attention to the removal of pagan cults (49:2) and his deep bond with the Lord, which strengthened the entire nation (49:3). However, the opening verse of this praise has a completely different character. In 49:1, the sage presents three images (incense, honey and music) that refer to the king’s memory. This article is an attempt to understand the meaning of these comparisons and the validity of their use inrelation to the memory of King Josiah. The memory of the King and his name becomes a help for future generations who are to strengthen their identity as the people of the covenant through concern for worship, acceptance of God’s word and love of the wisdom of the Law.

Time Intervals in 1 En. 72:8–32

2025-11-03T08:37:09+01:00

1 En. 72:8–32 contains the monthly scheme of the change in the length of the day and night within the schematic year of 364 days. The scheme uses two basic units to measure the time difference in the length of the nychthemeron between solstices: one ‘part’ and the fraction 1/9. Each nychthemeron is divided into 18 ‘parts’, and the regular factor of monthly variation is one ‘part’. Modern scholarship has failed to explain the meaning and function of the fraction 1/9 and the origin of the division of the nychthemeron into 18 ‘parts’. The first part of this study explains the meaning of the fraction 1/9 in the monthly computus and its relationship to one ‘part’. The second explores the division of the nychthemeron into 18 ‘parts’ compared to Table C, which is part of Tablet XIV of the Babylonian astrological compendium Enūma Anu Enlil.

Summary Statements in the Gospel of Luke

2025-11-03T08:37:06+01:00

This article explores the summary statements within the Third Gospel, with the goal of identi fying which passages qualify as this distinct literary genre. The study begins by reviewing a range of scholarly proposals concerning the number of summaries, drawing from the works of notable exegetes such as H. Schurmann, L. Sabourin, J. Nolland, L.T. Johnson, R.C. Tannehill, D.L. Bock, J.B. Green, S. Grasso, G. Rosse, F. Bovon, W. Eckey, H. Klein, J. Fitzmyer, M. Wolter, and F. Mickiewicz. These scholars present varied perspectives on the defining characteristics of a summary, reflecting the diversity of thought in biblical scholarship. Building on their insights, the analysis establishes precise criteria and systematically applies them to all passages proposed by these experts. Through this rigorous process, eighteen texts in Luke’s Gospel are identified as summaries: (1) 1:65–66, (2) 1:80, (3) 2:40, (4) 2:52, (5) 3:18, (6) 4:14–15, (7) 4:31–32, (8) 4:40–41, (9) 4:42–44, (10) 5:15–16, (11) 6:17–19, (12) 8:1–3, (13) 8:40, (14) 9:6, (15) 9:10–11, (16) 13:22, (17) 19:47–48, and (18) 21:37–38. The study not only classifies these passages but also highlights their thematic unity and functional coherence within the narrative, offering a deeper understanding of Luke’s literary and theological artistry.

The Hope of Being Similar to God in 1 John 2:28–3:10

2025-11-03T08:37:05+01:00

Among the three Epistles of John, only the first one explicitly addresses the theme of hope (1 John 3:3), with a particular focus on believers’ likeness to God. The pronouns αὐτός and ἐκεῖνος, used by the author in 3:2–3, are sometimes interpreted by exegetes as referring exclusively to either the Father or Christ. This article offers a resolution that reconciles these interpretations, arguing that the author’s aim, as reflected in 1 John 2:28–3:10, is to present the history of salvation as a unified work of the one God: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The hope of becoming like Him serves an evidently pragmatic function that can shape the believers’ life and potentially inspire even those outside faith to foster social relationships characterised by mutual respect for life, fraternity, fairness and the fulfilment of rights, devoted service, forgiveness and peace. This study employs a synchronic approach, which involves the delimitation of the text and the definition of its structure in 1 John 2:28–3:10, a rhetorical analysis of this excerpt and a discussion focused on the pragmatic function of the paraenesis of becoming like God.

Being of God and Seeing God. The Main Theological Message of the Third Epistle of John

2025-11-03T08:37:08+01:00

The Third Epistle of John is one of the least commented on writings of the New Testament. Based on the structure of the letter proposed in the article, the authors try to bring out its theological message. It oscillates around the ideas of ‘being of God’ and ‘seeing God’, which in practice means love towards one’s neighbour, love expressed through welcoming and supporting itinerant teachers. The analyses carried out in the article lead to accept the thesis that the Third Epistle of John was written shortly before the Second Epistle of John. The discussed formal and structural similarities between the Second and Third Epistles of John allow for the justification of this thesis. Many indications suggest that in the Second Epistle of John, there are more theoretical references to the practical themes addressed in the Third Epistle of John, which attests that the chronological order is different from the canonical one.

Erich S. Gruen, Scriptural Tales Retold. The Inventiveness of Second Temple Jews, (Jewish and Christian Texts in Contexts and Related Studies 39), (London- New York- Oxford -New Delhi –Sydney: T&T Clark)

2025-04-29T13:05:17+02:00

Book review: Erich S. Gruen, Scriptural Tales Retold. The Inventiveness of Second Temple Jews, (Jewish and Christian Texts in Contexts and Related Studies 39), (London- New York- Oxford -New Delhi –Sydney: T&T Clark). Pp. IX+172. $ 103.50 Hb; $ 82.80 PDF. ISBN: 978-0-567-71517-3.