Simon, Son of Onias
Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 1. There was Simon, the high priest and son of Onias, Who repaired the house during his life And strengthened the temple in his days. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 2. He also laid the foundation of the double high wall, The fortified wall surrounding the temple. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 3. In his days the cistern for the waters was dug, A reservoir like a sea in circumference. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 4. He was concerned about how to save his people from ruin, And he strengthened the city to withstand siege.
The Day of Atonement
Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 5. So was he honored when the people gathered round As he came out from behind the veil! Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 6. Like the morning star in the midst of the clouds, Like the moon when it is full; Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 7. Like the sun shining upon the temple of the Most High, And like the rainbow shining in clouds of glory; Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 8. Like the bloom of the rose in the days of firstfruits, Like lilies by a spring of water, Like a sprig of frankincense in the summer; Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 9. Like fire and incense in the censer, Like a solid gold vessel decorated with every precious stone; Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 10. Like an olive tree sprouting fresh fruit, And like a cypress tree rising into the clouds. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 11. When he took up a robe of honor And was clothed with the perfection of boasting In his ascent to the holy altar, He glorified the court of the sanctuary. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 12. When he received the portion from the hands of the priests While standing by the hearth of the altar, A crown of brethren surrounding him, He was like a sapling of cedar in Lebanon; And they encircled him like the trunks of palm trees, Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 13. All the sons of Aaron in their glory, And the offering to the Lord in their hands Before all the assembly of Israel. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 14. Finishing the services at the altars And arranging the offering to the Most High, the Almighty, Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 15. He stretched out his hand to the cup And poured a libation of the blood of the grapes. He poured it out on the foundation of the altar, A fragrant scent to the King of all, the Most High. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 16. Then the sons of Aaron cried out, Sounding out the trumpets of hammered work, A great noise to be heard As a remembrance before the Most High. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 17. Then all the people hastened in common And fell with their faces on the ground To worship their Lord, the Almighty God, the Most High. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 18. The singers also praised Him with their voices, And their song was sweetened with a variety of sounds. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 19. The people also prayed to the Lord Most High, In pray er before the Merciful One, Until the order of the Lord was ended And they finished His liturgy. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 20. Then going down he lifted up his hands Over the entire assembly of the children of Israel, And to boast in His name. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 21. Then they bowed down in worship a second time To receive the blessing from the Most High.
Praise of Honored Men Concluded
Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 22. And now bless the God of all, Who does great things in every way, Who exalts our days from our birth And deals with us according to His mercy. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 23. May He give us gladness of heart, And may there be peace in our days, In Israel as in the days of old. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 24. May He entrust with us His mercy, And let Him redeem us in our days.
Author's Summary
Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 25. With two nations my soul is angered, And the third is not a nation: Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 26. Those who reside on the mountain of Samaria and the Philistines, And the foolish people who dwell in Shechem. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 27. Jesus, son of Sirach, son of Eleazar the Jerusalemite, Who poured wisdom forth in this book, I inscribed instruction in understanding and knowledge. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 28. Blessed is he who will conduct himself by these, For by putting these things in his heart He will be made wise. Wisdom of Sirach 50, verse 29. For if he does these things, He will grow strong in all things, For the light of the Lord is his path.