Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 50

₁The greatest of his brothers and the pride of his people was the High Priest Simon son of Onias, who repaired the Temple ₂and laid the foundation for the high double wall and the fortifications of the Temple. ₃The reservoir, as big as the bronze tank, was dug while he was in office. ₄He made plans to protect his people from attack and fortified the city so that it could withstand a siege.

₅How glorious he was when he came out of the Most Holy Place! ₆He was like the morning star shining through the clouds, like the full moon, ₇like the sun shining on the Temple of the Most High, like the rainbow gleaming in glory against the clouds, ₈like roses in springtime, like lilies beside a stream, like the cedars of Lebanon in summer, ₉like burning incense, like a cup made of hammered gold and decorated with all kinds of jewels, ₁₀like an olive-tree loaded with fruit, like a cypress-tree towering into the clouds.

₁₁When Simon put on his magnificent robe and went up to the holy altar dressed in perfect splendour, he made the Temple courtyard a majestic sight. ₁₂When 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. ₁₃Those 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. ₁₄When he had finished the service at the altar and had arranged the sacrifice to the Most High, the Almighty, ₁₅he reached 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. ₁₆Then the priests shouted and blew their trumpets of hammered silver. They made a loud noise that the Most High would hear. ₁₇All the people immediately bowed down with their faces to the ground to worship their Lord, the Almighty, the Most High. ₁₈Then the choir began to sing his praises, and the beautiful music rang out. ₁₉The people kept praying to the merciful Lord Most High until the service of worship had come to a close. ₂₀Then Simon came down from the altar, raised his hands over the whole assembly of Israel, and reverently pronounced the blessing from the Lord, ₂₁while the people bowed a second time in worship to receive that blessing from the Most High.

₂₂Now 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. ₂₃May he give us happiness and allow us to have peace in Israel for ever. ₂₄May he continue his mercy to us and rescue us in our time of need.

₂₅There are two nations that I detest, and a third that does not even deserve to be called a nation. ₂₆These are the Edomites, the inhabitants of the Philistine cities, and the stupid Samaritans.

₂₇I, Jesus son of Sirach Eleazar of Jerusalem, put all my wisdom into writing this book to provide instruction and knowledge for others. ₂₈May God bless everyone who gives attention to these teachings. Whoever takes them to heart will become wise. ₂₉Whoever lives by them will be strong enough for any occasion, because he will be walking in the light of the Lord.