Proverbs 1-9 As A Solomonic Composition -- By: Andrew E. Steinmann
Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 43:4 (Dec 2000)
Article: Proverbs 1-9 As A Solomonic Composition
Author: Andrew E. Steinmann
JETS 43:4 (Dec 00) p. 659
Proverbs 1-9 As A Solomonic Composition
I. Introduction
The book of Proverbs is one of only two OT books that are self-admittedly of composite authorship (the other is Psalms). The book contains notices of authorship at 1:1, 10:1, 22:17, 24:23, 25:1, 30:1, and 31:1. In addition, most scholars consider the acrostic poem that concludes the book (31:10–31) a separate composition whose author is not mentioned. If one takes the book’s notices at face value, the book divides into eight sections:
Table 1.
Section |
Author |
1:1–9:18 |
Solomon |
10:1–22:16 |
Solomon |
22:17–24:22 |
Wise Men |
24:23–34 |
Wise Men |
25:1–29:26 |
Solomon (as copied by Hezekiah’s men) |
30:1–33 |
Agur, son of Jakeh |
1:1–9 |
Lemuel (or his mother) |
31:10–31 |
unknown |
Some of these attributions of authorship have been challenged, not only by critical scholars, but even by more conservative, evangelical scholars. 1 The rejection of the book’s apparent notices of authorship is especially true of the first section of the book (You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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