The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 50

1It was Simon, the son of Onias, the great priest, Or, high 2And by him was built from the foundation the height of the double wall, 3In his days the cistern of waters was diminished, The text here seems to be corrupt. 4It was he that took thought for his people that they should not fall, against besieging: Gr. to beseige: that is, as to besieging it. 5How glorious was he when the people gathered round him sanctuary! Gr. house of the veil. 6As the morning star in the midst of a cloud, 7As the sun shining forth upon the temple of the Most High, 8As the flower of roses in the days of new fruits, 9As fire and incense in the censer, 10As an olive tree budding forth fruits, 11When he took up the robe of glory, 12And when he received the portions out of the priests’ hands, 13And all the sons of Aaron in their glory, 14And finishing the service at the altars, 15He stretched out his hand to the cup, Gr. cup of libation. 16Then shouted the sons of Aaron, 17Then all the people together hurried, 18The singers also praised him with their voices; 19And the people implored the Lord Most High, worship of the Lord should be ended; Gr. adornment. 20Then he went down, and lifted up his hands 21And he bowed himself down in worship the second time, 22And now bless you⌃ the God of all, 23May he grant us joyfulness of heart, 24To intrust his mercy with us; 25With two nations is my soul vexed, 26They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, According to some ancient versions, Seir. and the Philistines, 27I have written in this book the instruction of understanding and knowledge, Gr. graven. 28Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things; 29For if he do them, he shall be strong to all things: guide. Gr. footstep. The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities.