This volume surveys recent developments in the study of Old Testament wisdom; discusses issues that have arisen in Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes; examines the Song of Songs, Ruth and some Psalms as wisdom texts; and explores wisdom and biblical theology, the concept of retribution, and the issue of divine absence.

The Old Testament, particularly the Former Prophets, has frequently been regarded as having a negative attitude towards foreigners. This has meant that these texts are often employed by those opposed to the Christian faith to attack the Bible; and such views can be echoed by Christians. While the stories of David and Goliath are cherished, other texts are seen to involve 'ethnic cleansing' or 'massacre' and are avoided. David Firth's contention is that this approach emerges from an established interpretation of the text, but not the text itself. He argues that the Former Prophets subvert...