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1st Baruch
Dating
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Setting: Jerusalem during Hellenistic period, written by Joshua ben Sira
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Reference point: Similar to Proverbs/Ecclesiastes, combining Hebrew wisdom with Greek cultural responses
Signifcance
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Emphasizes repentance and return to Torah
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Reinforces covenant relationship with YHWH
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Stresses importance of wisdom through Torah
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Demonstrates exile as consequence of disobedience
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Shows path to restoration through obedience
Discovery
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Preserved in Septuagint manuscripts
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Found in early Christian codices
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No known Hebrew manuscripts exist
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Included in Dead Sea Scrolls collection
Transmission
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Through Greek-speaking Jewish communities
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Via early believing assemblies
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Included in Catholic/Orthodox canons
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Preserved in various church traditions
Language / Translation
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Original language debated (Greek or Hebrew)
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Extant primarily in Greek
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Early translations into Latin, Syriac, Coptic
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Possible Hebrew original for chapters 1-3:8
Genre
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Wisdom discourse
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Prophetic consolation
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Historical narrative
Content
The Book of Baruch, written as a letter from Babylon to Jerusalem, contains a message of repentance and restoration. Baruch reads his text to the exiles, leading to collective mourning. The people confess their disobedience to Torah as the cause of exile. The text emphasizes Torah as the sole source of true wisdom and promises Jerusalem's restoration through renewed observance of commandments. The work combines historical reflection with theological teaching, showing how national redemption comes through return to YHWH.
Commentary
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2nd Baruch
Dating
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Setting: During Babylon's siege of Jerusalem, containing Baruch's visions and laments
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Reference point: Apocalyptic text using First Temple's destruction to address Second Temple's fall
Signifcance
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Addresses theological crisis after Temple destruction
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Reinforces eternal nature of Torah
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Emphasizes spiritual over physical Temple
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Provides framework for maintaining faith without Temple
Discovery
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Complete text preserved in Syriac
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Fragments in Greek
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Partial Latin translation exists
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Found in Ambrosian manuscript (6th/7th century)
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Referenced in early Christian writings
Transmission
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Through Syriac-speaking communities
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Via early believing assemblies
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Preserved in Christian traditions
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Influenced apocalyptic literature
Language / Translation
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Original language likely Hebrew or Aramaic
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Main version in Syriac
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Greek fragments suggest Greek translation existed
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Some Latin portions preserved
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Complex translation history
Genre
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Apocalyptic vision
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Prophetic revelation
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Wisdom discourse
Content
The text presents Baruch's visions and dialogues with YHWH concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and its spiritual significance. It's structured around seven visions, including the famous "Cloud Vision" and "Forest Vision," which interpret Israel's history and future. The work addresses crucial theological questions about suffering, righteousness, and YHWH's justice in light of national catastrophe.
Commentary
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