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This book is probably the last book of the Old Testament and was written
around 100 B.C. by an Alexandrian Jew, although he probably used
earlier materials even those possibly written by King Solomon. Here the
concept of wisdom is personified (and this will ultimately lead to the
New Testament idea of the Word of God, that is, Christ). The book can be
conveniently divided into three parts: 1) Chapters 1-5 deal with the
vital importance of Wisdom in determining the eternal destiny of men;
Chapters 6-9 speak of the origin, nature and activities of Wisdom, as
well as the means to acquire it; and Chapters 10-19 are a description of
Divine Wisdom directing the destiny of Israel from Adam to the Exodus
from Egypt. This book is used by the Orthodox for Old Testament Readings
on the occasion of many Feasts of Saints. |