الإصحَاحُ
الْخَمْسُونَ

Chapter 50

 

50:1
Simon the high priest, the son of Onias, who in his life repaired the house
again, and in his days fortified the temple: 2 And by him was built from the
foundation the double height, the high fortress of the wall about the temple: 3
In his days the cistern to receive water, being in compass as the sea, was
covered with plates of brass: 4 He took care of the temple that it should not
fall, and fortified the city against besieging: 5 How was he honoured in the
midst of the people in his coming out of the sanctuary! 6 He was as the morning
star in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon at the full: 7 As the sun shining
upon the temple of the most High, and as the rainbow giving light in the bright
clouds: 8 And as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, as lilies by
the rivers of waters, and as the branches of the frankincense tree in the time
of summer: 9 As fire and incense in the censer, and as a vessel of beaten gold
set with all manner of precious stones: 10 And as a fair olive tree budding
forth fruit, and as a cypress tree which groweth up to the clouds.

 

11
When he put on the robe of honour, and was clothed with the perfection of
glory, when he went up to the holy altar, he made the garment of holiness
honourable. 12 When he took the portions out of the priests’ hands, he himself
stood by the hearth of the altar, compassed about, as a young cedar in Libanus;
and as palm trees compassed they him round about. 13 So were all the sons of
Aaron in their glory, and the oblations of the Lord in their hands, before all
the congregation of Israel. 14 And finishing the service at the altar, that he
might adorn the offering of the most high Almighty, 15 He stretched out his
hand to the cup, and poured of the blood of the grape, he poured out at the
foot of the altar a sweetsmelling savour unto the most high King of all.

 

16
Then shouted the sons of Aaron, and sounded the silver trumpets, and made a
great noise to be heard, for a remembrance before the most High. 17 Then all
the people together hasted, and fell down to the earth upon their faces to
worship their Lord God Almighty, the most High. 18 The singers also sang
praises with their voices, with great variety of sounds was there made sweet
melody. 19 And the people besought the Lord, the most High, by prayer before
him that is merciful, till the solemnity of the Lord was ended, and they had
finished his service.

 

20
Then he went down, and lifted up his hands over the whole congregation of the
children of Israel, to give the blessing of the Lord with his lips, and to
rejoice in his name. 21 And they bowed themselves down to worship the second
time, that they might receive a blessing from the most High. 22 Now therefore
bless ye the God of all, which only doeth wondrous things every where, which
exalteth our days from the womb, and dealeth with us according to his mercy. 23
He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our days in Israel
for ever: 24 That he would confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at his
time!

 

25
There be two manner of nations which my heart abhorreth, and the third is no
nation: 26 They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, and they that dwell
among the Philistines, and that foolish people that dwell in Sichem.

 

27
Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem hath written in this book the instruction
of understanding and knowledge, who out of his heart poured forth wisdom. 28
Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things; and he that layeth them
up in his heart shall become wise. 29 For if he do them, he shall be strong to
all things: for the light of the Lord leadeth him, who giveth wisdom to the
godly. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. Amen, Amen.