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Nelson’s Commentary gives us a brief introduction to the mysterious authors of the last two chapters of Proverbs.
“The final two chapters of Proverbs are attributed to men named Agur and Lemuel. Neither of these men are mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. Appearing in both attributions (Pro 30:1; Pro 31:1) is the Hebrew word ‘massa’, which can be translated as “burden” or “utterance,” as it is used by the prophets (Isa 17:1; Isa 19:1). The word might also be the name of a place – Massa (Gen 25:14; 1Ch 1:30). If so, the attributions might associate Agur and Lemuel with a country or a city named Massa. For instance, Pro 31:1 would begin, “The words of Lemuel, king of Massa, which his mother taught him.”
Even if these teachers are not from a place called Massa, they do not appear to be Israelites. There was no King Lemuel in Israel, and the name “Agur” is not formed in a typical Hebrew fashion. Agur’s name does appear in Sabean inscriptions, and in light of that foreign source, it is interesting that the teachings of Agur include some of the most religiously oriented of all the proverbs in the book.”
Nelson’s Commentary
As always, this Chapter of Proverbs provides concise, profound truth applicable to real-life issues. Even though we don’t know much about Agur, we do know that his name means “collector.” Could it be that he was a collector of wisdom?
Agur offers many practical warnings and also writes of future generations.
“There is a generation that curses its father and does not bless its mother. 12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filth. 13 There is a generation—how haughty its eyes and pretentious its looks.”
Proverbs 30:11-13 HCSB
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
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I recently had a conversation with someone by the time I finished I was doubting my faith and where my beliefs stood. I am so thankful for a God who left an instruction manual for life the sword to cut through all the hype and misunderstandings. As I dug into the word pouring over scripture verses writing pages of notes learning that my beliefs are sound in the one true God and can take refuge in Him.