Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)

1Great one of his brethren, and glory of his people, Was Simon, son of Johanan (H), the priest; In whose generation the house was repaired (?); And in whose days the temple was fortified.

2In whose generation a cistern was digged (H); A pit (or store) like the sea (?) in its abundance.

3In whose days a wall was built; A bulwark of refuge (?) in the temple of the King.

4Who took thought for his people against the spoiler; And fortified his city against the besieger.

5How glorious was he when he looked forth from the tent; And when he went out from the house of the veil!

6As the morning star from amid thick clouds; And as the full moon in the days of (?) the solemn feast.

7And as the sun dawning upon (?) the temple of the King; And as rainbow seen in the cloud.

8As budding branch (?) in the days of the solemn feast; And as the lotus by the watercourses. As flower of Lebanon in the days of summer; And as fire of incense upon the meal-offering:

9In (or As) a gold plated vessel, and a chalice (or weighty), That is set with pleasant stones.

10As a green olive full of berries; And as a wild olive tree with branches full of sap.

11When he put on robes of honour; And clothed himself with robes of beauty. When he ascended the altar of majesty; And made glorious the precinct of the sanctuary.

12When he received the pieces out of the hand of his brethren; While himself standing by the altar-fires: Round him a crown of sons, Like cedar plants in Lebanon. And they compassed him about like willows of the brook: All the sons of Aaron in their glory:

13With the fire-offerings of the Lord in their hand, Before all the congregation of Israel.

14Until he finished serving the altar, And arranging the fires of the Most High.

15Then sounded the sons of Aaron, the priests, With trumpets of turnery.

16And they sounded, and made their glorious voice heard; To bring to remembrance (?) before the Most High.

17All flesh together hasted, And fell down upon their faces to the earth: To worship before the Most High; Before the Holy One of Israel.

18And the choir uttered its voice; And over the multitude they made sweet melody (?).

19And all the people of the land chanted, In prayer before the Merciful. Until he finished serving the altar; And had brought its customary offerings unto it.

20Then he came down, and lifted up his hands Over all the congregation of Israel. And the blessing of the Lord was on his lips; And in the name of the Lord he gloried.

21And they bowed down again a second time, The people all of them, before him.

22Now bless ye the Lord, the God of Israel, Which doeth wonderously in the land. That bringeth up man from the womb; And maketh him according to his will.

23May he give you wisdom of heart; And may there be (?) peace among you.

24May his mercy stand fast with Simon; And may he confirm to him the covenant of Phinehas, Which he executed (?) unto him and unto his seed, As the days of heaven.

25Two nations my soul abhorreth; And the third is no people:

26The inhabitants of Seir and Philistia; And the foolish nation that dwelleth in Sichem.

27The instruction of understanding and proverbs fitly spoken (?) Of Simon, son of Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sira. Whose heart prophesied as with a harp (?); And who poured forth understanding.

28Happy is the man that meditateth on these; And he that layeth them to his heart shall be wise. For the fear of the Lord is life.