Proverbs. Volume 3 / Proverbs 16-22a

Covering the Hebrew Proverbs 16 to the middle of Chapter 22, the comments continue along the lines of the previous volume, interpreting the individual proverbs as mostly self-contained but not strung together randomly. Edited proverb-clusters are taken seriously, but individual proverbs remain the central focus. The interpretation often emphasises an openness of proverbs for different readings in different situations. This has implications for the reader, who can find perspectives among the sayings relevant to a variety of situations. In line with the policy of HCOT, the reception of each proverb in later rabbinic, patristic and early Reformation traditions is sketched. However, a commentary on the biblical text is not a reception history, since the text itself remains the focus. Attention is rather paid to the philological dimension of the Hebrew text, including its rhythmic organisation. Use of the versions serves this purpose, while ANE parallels often illumine the text.