After the death and resurrection of Jesus, his followers expected him to return at any moment, certainly within their own lifetime. There was little motivation to write anything down for future generations. However, as the various eyewitnesses began to die, there was more concern. The missionary needs of the church grew, so that there was a demand for written versions of the founder’s life and teachings. The stages of this process included this first oral tradition stage. Then the stories and sayings of Jesus were passed on largely as separate self-contained units, but not in any order. There were some written collections of miracle stories, parables, and sayings, with the oral tradition continuing alongside these. Finally, there were the written proto-gospels that served as the sources for the canonical gospels. The final gospels were formed by combining proto-gospels, written collections and still-current oral tradition. All four gospels use the Hebrew Jewish scriptures, by quoting or referencing passages. They interpreted texts or alluded to various biblical themes. Their source was the Greek version of the scriptures, called the Septuagint, since they did not seem familiar with the original Hebrew.
future generations
Expanding instructions (Sir 24:30-24:34)
“As for me,
I was like
A canal from a river.
I was like
A water channel into a garden.
I said.
‘I will water my garden.
I will drench my flower-beds.’
Behold!
My canal became a river.
My river became a sea.
I will again
Make instruction
Shine forth
Like the dawn.
I will make it clear
From far away.
I will again
Pour out teaching
Like prophecy.
I will leave it
To all future generations.
Observe!
I have not labored
For myself alone.
I have labored
For all who seek instruction.”
Sirach says that he was like a little channel from a river. He used that water to irrigate his garden and flowers. Then the channel became a river and the river became a sea. His instructions shined forth like the dawn of a new day. The brightness could be seen from a long distance away. His teaching was like prophecy for all future generations. He was not working for himself, but to give instructions to all seeking it.
The effects of indispensable wisdom (Wis 8:10-8:15)
“Because of her
I shall have glory among the multitudes.
I shall have honor in the presence of the elders,
Even though I am young.
I shall be found keen in judgment.
In the sight of rulers
I shall be admired.
When I am silent,
They will wait for me.
When I speak,
They will give heed.
When I speak at greater length,
They will put their hands on their mouths.
Because of her
I shall have immortality.
I shall leave an everlasting remembrance
To those who come after me.
I shall govern peoples.
Nations will be subject to me.
Dread monarchs will be afraid of me
When they hear of me.
Among the people
I shall show myself capable.
I shall be courageous in war.”
The influence of wisdom on his life was remarkable. Because of wisdom living with him, he had glory among the multitudes and honor among the elders (παρὰ πρεσβυτέροις), even though he was young. His keen judgment was clear among the great rulers (δυναστῶν). When he was silent, they waited for him to speak. When he spoke, they listened and put their hands on their mouths. He now had immortality (ἀθανασίαν) with an everlasting remembrance (μνήμην αἰώνιον) for future generations. He would then govern people. Many nations would be subject to him. Even tyrants (τύραννοι) would be afraid of him. He would be capable and courageous in war.
The dominion of Yahweh (Ps 22:29-22:31)
“To him, indeed!
Shall all who sleep in the earth bow down.
Before him
Shall bow all who go down to the dust.
I shall live for him.
Posterity will serve him.
Future generations will be told about Yahweh.
They will proclaim his deliverance
To a people yet unborn.
They will say that he has done it.”
This psalm ends with everyone on earth who goes to sleep bowing down to Yahweh. Anyone who lives or dies will bow down to Yahweh. David or the psalmist will live for Yahweh. Also posterity and future generations will learn about Yahweh and serve him. They will proclaim his deliverance to each new generation, even to those not yet born. They will tell about all that he has done.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 