“Fosti chiamato con il nome glorioso" (Sir 47, 18aα). Studio di un’immagine allusiva

This contribution examines the Hebrew text of Sir 47:18a and, in light of philological considerations and biblical connections (Deut 28:10,58; Amos 9:12; etc.), finds in its expression "the glorious name invoked upon Israel" an allusion to the epithet "yĕdîdĕiāh", applied to Solomon in 2 Sam 12:25. A trace of such allusion is found also in the translations (LXX, Peshitta, Arabic Version, VL) of Sir 47:18a, though with slightly different interpretations there. This allusion to the epithet in the verse, and its emphasis on the greatness of YHWH rather than of Solomon, may reflect the negative Deuteronomistic judgment of the king which ben Sirach incorporates into his "praise" of Solomon (47:12-22).