Sirach
As found in the Greek Septuagint
GNB
Chapter 50
The Glory of God in History (continued from chapter 44)
Sirach 50:1 The greatest of his brothers and the pride of his people was the High Priest Simon son of Onias, who repaired the Temple
Sirach 50:2 and laid the foundation for the high double wall and the fortifications of the Temple.
Sirach 50:3 The reservoir, as big as the bronze tank, was dug while he was in office.
Sirach 50:4 He made plans to protect his people from attack and fortified the city so that it could withstand a siege.
Sirach 50:5 How glorious he was when he came out of the Most Holy place!
Sirach 50:6 He was like the morning star shining through the clouds, like the full moon,
Sirach 50:7 like the sun shining on the Temple of the Most High, like the rainbow gleaming in glory against the clouds,
Sirach 50:8 like roses in springtime, like lilies beside a stream, like the cedars of Lebanon in summer,
Sirach 50:9 like burning incense, like a cup made of hammered gold and decorated with all kinds of jewels,
Sirach 50:10 like an olive tree loaded with fruit, like a cypress tree towering into the clouds.
Sirach 50:11 When Simon put on his magnificent robe and went up to the holy altar dressed in perfect splendor, he made the Temple courtyard a majestic sight.
Sirach 50:12 When the priests handed him the portions of the sacrifice as he stood beside the altar with his assistants circling him like a wreath, he was like a young cedar of Lebanon surrounded by palm trees.
Sirach 50:13 Those were the descendants of Aaron in their splendid garments, standing before the whole assembly of Israel, holding in their hands the offering made to the Lord.
Sirach 50:14 When he had finished the service at the altar and had arranged the sacrifice to the Most High, the Almighty,
Sirach 50:15 he reach for a cup and poured out sweet-smelling wine at the foot of the altar as an offering to the Most High, the universal King.
Sirach 50:16 Then the priests shouted and blew their trumpets of hammered silver. They made a loud noise that the Most High would hear.
Sirach 50:17 All the people immediately bowed down with their faces to the ground to worship their Lord, the Almighty, the Most High.
Sirach 50:18 Then the choir began to sing his praises, and the beautiful music rang out.
Sirach 50:19 The people kept praying to the merciful Lord Most High until the service of worship had come to a close.
Sirach 50:20 Then Simon came down from the altar, raised his hands over the whole assembly of Israel, and reverently pronounced the blessing from the Lord,
Sirach 50:21 while the people bowed a second time in worship to receive that blessing from the Most High.
Sirach 50:22 Now then, give praise to the God of the universe, who has done great things everywhere, who brings us up from the time we are born, and deals with us mercifully.
Sirach 50:23 May he give us happiness and allow us to have peace in Israel forever.
Sirach 50:24 May he continue his mercy to us and rescue us in our time of need.
Sirach 50:25 There are two nations that I detest, and a third that does not even deserve to be called a nation.
Sirach 50:26 These are the Edomites, the inhabitants of the Philistine cities, and the stupid Samaritans.
The Wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach
Sirach 50:27 I, Jesus son of Sirach Eleazar of Jerusalem, put all my wisdom into writing this book to provide instruction and knowledge for others.
Sirach 50:28 May God bless everyone who gives attention to these teachings. Whoever takes them to heart will become wise.
Sirach 50:29 Whoever lives by them will be strong enough for any occasion, because he will be walking in the light of the Lord.