Wisdom of solomon 14:7 - For blessed has been wood through which comes righteousness:
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What does "Wisdom of solomon 14:7" mean?
Wisdom of Solomon 14:7, "For blessed has been wood through which comes righteousness:" is a somewhat challenging verse to interpret. Here's a breakdown of its likely meaning and the context that shapes it:
Understanding the Context:
Wisdom of Solomon: This is a book of the Apocrypha/Deuterocanonical books, meaning it's included in the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles but not the Hebrew Bible or Protestant Old Testament. It was written in Greek, likely in Alexandria, Egypt, around the 1st century BCE.
Idolatry as the Central Theme: Chapter 14 of Wisdom of Solomon is primarily a critique of idolatry. The author is describing the folly and dangers of worshiping idols made of wood and other materials.
Irony and Contrast: The author uses irony and sharp contrasts to make their point. They highlight how people create idols for their own protection and prosperity, yet these idols are lifeless and powerless.
Possible Interpretations of Verse 14:7:
Given the context, here are a few ways to understand the verse:
1. Reference to the Ark of the Covenant:
This is a common and probable interpretation. The "wood through which comes righteousness" could refer to the Ark of the Covenant, a wooden chest overlaid with gold that housed the tablets of the Law (containing God's commandments, which define righteousness).
The Ark was a symbol of God's presence and covenant with Israel. It represented a physical object associated with God's Law and therefore, righteousness.
Why it fits: The verse directly follows a criticism of idolatry. Referencing the Ark of the Covenant serves as a counter-example. Wood is not inherently bad; it can be blessed and used for righteous purposes when associated with God.
2. Reference to the Cross:
Some Christian interpreters see this as a foreshadowing of the Cross of Christ. The wood of the cross, an instrument of death and apparent defeat, becomes the means of salvation and righteousness through Jesus's sacrifice.
Why it might fit: The concept of something seemingly negative leading to righteousness resonates with the Christian understanding of the Cross.
Caveats: This interpretation is anachronistic, as the book was written before the events of the New Testament. It's likely a later, Christian reading of the text.
3. A More General Statement About God's Use of Humble Things:
The verse might also be a more general statement about God's ability to use humble or unexpected things for his purposes. Wood, a common material, can be blessed and used in ways that bring about good.
Why it might fit: It complements the author's larger argument. They're criticizing the misuse of materials in idol worship, implying that these materials can be used for good when aligned with God's will.
Conclusion:
The most likely interpretation of Wisdom of Solomon 14:7 is a reference to the Ark of the Covenant. It serves as a contrast to the surrounding critique of idolatry. The author is showing that wood, in and of itself, is not evil. When used in connection with God's law and covenant (as with the Ark), it can be a conduit for righteousness.
While the Cross interpretation is possible from a Christian perspective, it's not the primary or original intent of the author. The verse serves as a reminder that objects are not inherently holy or evil; their significance comes from their association with God and his purposes.
Wisdom of solomon 14:7 - For blessed has been wood through which comes righteousness:
What does "Wisdom of solomon 14:7" mean?
Wisdom of Solomon 14:7, "For blessed has been wood through which comes righteousness:" is a somewhat challenging verse to interpret. Here's a breakdown of its likely meaning and the context that shapes it:
Understanding the Context:
Wisdom of Solomon: This is a book of the Apocrypha/Deuterocanonical books, meaning it's included in the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles but not the Hebrew Bible or Protestant Old Testament. It was written in Greek, likely in Alexandria, Egypt, around the 1st century BCE.
Idolatry as the Central Theme: Chapter 14 of Wisdom of Solomon is primarily a critique of idolatry. The author is describing the folly and dangers of worshiping idols made of wood and other materials.
Irony and Contrast: The author uses irony and sharp contrasts to make their point. They highlight how people create idols for their own protection and prosperity, yet these idols are lifeless and powerless.
Possible Interpretations of Verse 14:7:
Given the context, here are a few ways to understand the verse:
1. Reference to the Ark of the Covenant:
This is a common and probable interpretation. The "wood through which comes righteousness" could refer to the Ark of the Covenant, a wooden chest overlaid with gold that housed the tablets of the Law (containing God's commandments, which define righteousness).
The Ark was a symbol of God's presence and covenant with Israel. It represented a physical object associated with God's Law and therefore, righteousness.
Why it fits: The verse directly follows a criticism of idolatry. Referencing the Ark of the Covenant serves as a counter-example. Wood is not inherently bad; it can be blessed and used for righteous purposes when associated with God.
2. Reference to the Cross:
Some Christian interpreters see this as a foreshadowing of the Cross of Christ. The wood of the cross, an instrument of death and apparent defeat, becomes the means of salvation and righteousness through Jesus's sacrifice.
Why it might fit: The concept of something seemingly negative leading to righteousness resonates with the Christian understanding of the Cross.
Caveats: This interpretation is anachronistic, as the book was written before the events of the New Testament. It's likely a later, Christian reading of the text.
3. A More General Statement About God's Use of Humble Things:
The verse might also be a more general statement about God's ability to use humble or unexpected things for his purposes. Wood, a common material, can be blessed and used in ways that bring about good.
Why it might fit: It complements the author's larger argument. They're criticizing the misuse of materials in idol worship, implying that these materials can be used for good when aligned with God's will.
Conclusion:
The most likely interpretation of Wisdom of Solomon 14:7 is a reference to the Ark of the Covenant. It serves as a contrast to the surrounding critique of idolatry. The author is showing that wood, in and of itself, is not evil. When used in connection with God's law and covenant (as with the Ark), it can be a conduit for righteousness.
While the Cross interpretation is possible from a Christian perspective, it's not the primary or original intent of the author. The verse serves as a reminder that objects are not inherently holy or evil; their significance comes from their association with God and his purposes.