Notes on Proverbs IV

Originally posted Sept. 13, 2009

Notes on Proverbs IV

Proverbs 30: 1-33

“Agur is the otherwise unknown author of Proverbs 30. His words are described in verse 1 as “an oracle,” thus claiming divine inspiration. Many scholars, however, believe that the Hebrew indicates instead the place name Massa.” (Commentary note on 30:1-33, p. 1007)

“Agur was likely a non-Israelite wise man like Job and his friends.” (Commentary note on 30:1, p. 1007)

Archaeological Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530: Zondervan, 2005. p. 1007

“In the ancient Near East a wife without children was considered disgraced and desperate.” (Commentary on 30:16, p. 1008)

“The loss of an eye was considered a terrible curse (see Jdges 16:21). Since vultures typically devoured the dead (see Jer 7:33; Mt. 24:28), the meaning may be that the body of a disgraceful son would be unburied and exposed.” (Commentary on 30:17, p. 1008)

Archaeological Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530: Zondervan, 2005. p. 1008

“An “unloved woman who is married” probably refers to an unloved woman whose husband had several wives (c. Leah in Ge 29:31-32). If she were barren, she could be replaced by a maidservant who was able to bear children (cf. Hagar and Sarah in Ge 16:1-6).” (Commentary on 30:23, p. 1009)

“King Lemuel was a non-Israelite; otherwise he is unknown.” (Commentary on 31:1, p. 1009)

“Total abstinence from alcohol was rare in the ancient world, even while the problems of addiction to drink were recognized. Behind the recommendation to offer alcohol (vv. 6-7) lay a concern for the least powerful members of the kingdom. The king was to offer wine (instead of sorting it) to comfort those who were hurting.” (Commentary on 31:4-7, p. 1009)

Coneys=hyrax, rock badger

Ibid. p. 1009

“Over the centuries this poem has taken on a life of its own. In Jewish tradition it is recited by a husband to his wife on Sabbath evenings, and many Christians read it on Mother’s Day.” (Commentary on 31:10-31, p. 1010)

“Scarlet clothing was associated with high quality and was probably made of wool (cf. 2Sa 1:24; Rev 18:16). (Commentary on 31:21, p. 1010)