Select The Four Divisions Of The Septuagint

Select The Four Divisions Of The Septuagint

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The Septuagint (LXX) is an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, created in the 3rd to 2nd centuries BCE. It played a crucial role in the spread of Judaism and later influenced early Christianity, as it was widely used by Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians.

The Septuagint is traditionally divided into four sections, similar to the divisions found in the Hebrew Bible and later Christian Old Testament structures. These four divisions are:

  1. The Law (Pentateuch)

  2. The Historical Books

  3. The Wisdom and Poetic Books

  4. The Prophets

Each division holds significant theological, historical, and literary value. In this topic, we will explore these four divisions in detail, examining their contents and importance.

1. The Law (Pentateuch)

Definition and Importance

The first division of the Septuagint is known as the Pentateuch, meaning "five scrolls." It corresponds to the Torah in the Hebrew Bible and includes the first five books traditionally attributed to Moses.

These books lay the foundation for Jewish law, history, and identity. They narrate the creation of the world, the origins of Israel, and the covenant between God and His people.

Books Included

The Pentateuch consists of the following five books:

  • Genesis (Γένεσις) – Describes the creation of the world, the early history of humanity, and the lives of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph).

  • Exodus (Ἔξοδος) – Chronicles the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt, their liberation under Moses, the giving of the Ten Commandments, and their journey to the Promised Land.

  • Leviticus (Λευιτικόν) – Focuses on laws regarding worship, sacrifices, and priestly duties.

  • Numbers (Ἀριθμοί) – Details the Israelites’ wandering in the wilderness and census counts.

  • Deuteronomy (Δευτερονόμιον) – A repetition and reinforcement of God’s laws before the Israelites enter the Promised Land.

Significance in the Septuagint

The translation of the Pentateuch into Greek was the first part of the Septuagint completed. It was widely used in Jewish communities outside Israel and later adopted by early Christians as part of their scriptures.

2. The Historical Books

Overview

The second division of the Septuagint consists of historical books that recount the events of the Israelite nation, from their conquest of Canaan to their exile and return. These books provide a detailed record of God’s interaction with His people and their political and spiritual journey.

Books Included

This division includes several books, some of which differ from the traditional Hebrew Bible in content and arrangement. The major historical books in the Septuagint are:

  • Joshua (Ἰησοῦς Ναυῆ) – Describes the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan under Joshua’s leadership.

  • Judges (Κριταί) – Recounts the era of the judges, leaders who guided Israel before the establishment of the monarchy.

  • Ruth (Ῥούθ) – A short book about loyalty and redemption, focusing on Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes an ancestor of King David.

  • 1 & 2 Samuel (Βασιλειῶν Αʹ & Βʹ) – Describe the rise of the Israelite monarchy, the reign of Saul, and the anointing of King David.

  • 1 & 2 Kings (Βασιλειῶν Γʹ & Δʹ) – Continue the history of the Israelite kingdom, detailing the reigns of Solomon and subsequent kings.

  • 1 & 2 Chronicles (Παραλειπομένων Αʹ & Βʹ) – Provide a summary of Israel’s history with a focus on temple worship.

  • Ezra & Nehemiah (Ἔσδρας & Νεεμίας) – Narrate the return of the Israelites from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

  • Tobit, Judith, and 1-4 Maccabees (Included in the Septuagint but not in the Hebrew Bible) – Contain historical and devotional narratives.

Significance in the Septuagint

Many of these books were essential for early Christian teachings. The Greek translation allowed the Gentile world to understand Jewish history and how it related to God’s divine plan.

3. The Wisdom and Poetic Books

Overview

This division includes books of wisdom literature and poetic writings that provide moral teachings, prayers, and philosophical reflections on life. These books offer insights into God’s wisdom, human struggles, and the pursuit of righteousness.

Books Included

The Wisdom and Poetic books in the Septuagint are:

  • Psalms (Ψαλμοί) – A collection of 150 poetic prayers and hymns attributed to King David and other authors.

  • Proverbs (Παροιμίαι) – A compilation of wise sayings primarily attributed to King Solomon.

  • Ecclesiastes (Ἐκκλησιαστής) – Reflects on the meaning of life, concluding that everything is "vanity" without God.

  • Song of Solomon (Ἄσμα Ἀσμάτων) – A poetic dialogue expressing love and devotion, often interpreted as an allegory of God’s love for His people.

  • Wisdom of Solomon (Σοφία Σολομῶντος) – A book found in the Septuagint but not in the Hebrew Bible, offering deep reflections on wisdom and righteousness.

  • Sirach (Σοφία Ἰησοῦ) – Also known as Ecclesiasticus, it provides ethical teachings and practical wisdom for daily life.

Significance in the Septuagint

The wisdom books played a vital role in early Christian theology, influencing concepts of faith, suffering, and divine justice. The inclusion of Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach highlights the broader canon used by the Septuagint compared to the Hebrew Bible.

4. The Prophets

Overview

The final division of the Septuagint contains the books of the prophets. These writings include prophecies, warnings, and promises from God to His people. The prophets addressed issues of idolatry, injustice, and the coming of the Messiah.

Books Included

The prophetic books in the Septuagint are:

  • Major Prophets:

    • Isaiah (Ἡσαΐας)

    • Jeremiah (Ἱερεμίας)

    • Lamentations (Θρῆνοι)

    • Ezekiel (Ἰεζεκιήλ)

    • Daniel (Δανιήλ)

  • Minor Prophets (Twelve in total, grouped as "The Twelve Prophets" in Hebrew tradition):

    • Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

Significance in the Septuagint

The prophetic books are central to both Judaism and Christianity. Many prophecies in Isaiah, Daniel, and Jeremiah were later seen by Christians as foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ.

The Septuagint is a foundational text for Jewish and Christian traditions, divided into four key sections:

  1. The Law (Pentateuch) – The foundation of Israel’s religious and moral code.

  2. The Historical Books – A record of God’s interaction with His people.

  3. The Wisdom and Poetic Books – Teachings on righteousness, love, and divine wisdom.

  4. The Prophets – Messages of warning and hope, many of which Christians believe point to Jesus as the Messiah.

Understanding these divisions helps in appreciating the rich history, theology, and influence of the Septuagint in shaping religious thought across centuries.