1 It was Simon, the son of Onias, the high priest, who in his life repaired the house, and in his days strengthened the temple. (WEB) 2 The foundation was built by him to the height of the double walls, the lofty retaining walls of the temple enclosure. (WEB) 3 In his days, a water cistern was dug, the brazen vessel like the sea in circumference. (WEB) 4 He planned to save his people from ruin, and fortified the city against siege. (WEB) 5 How glorious he was when the people gathered around him as he came out of the house of the veil! (WEB) 6 He was like the morning star among clouds, like the full moon, (WEB) 7 like the sun shining on the temple of the Most High, like the rainbow shining in clouds of glory, (WEB) 8 like roses in the days of first fruits, like lilies by a water spring, like the shoot of the frankincense tree in summer time, (WEB) 9 like fire and incense in the censer, like a vessel of beaten gold adorned with all kinds of precious stones, (WEB) 10 like an olive tree loaded with fruit, and like a cypress growing high among the clouds. (WEB) 11 When he put on his glorious robe, and clothed himself in perfect splendor, ascending to the holy altar, he made the court of the sanctuary glorious. (WEB) 12 When he received the portions out of the priests’ hands, as he stood by the hearth of the altar, with his kindred like a garland around him, he was like a young cedar in Lebanon surrounded by the trunks of palm trees. (WEB) 13 All the sons of Aaron in their glory, held the Lord’s offering in their hands before all the congregation of Israel. (WEB) 14 Finishing the service at the altars, that he might arrange the offering of the Most High, the Almighty, (WEB) 15 he stretched out his hand to the cup of libation, and poured out the cup of the grape. He poured it out at the foot of the altar, a sweet smelling fragrance to the Most High, the King of all. (WEB) 16 Then the sons of Aaron shouted. They sounded the trumpets of beaten work. They made a great fanfare to be heard, for a reminder before the Most High. (WEB) 17 Then all the people together hurried, and fell down to the ground on their faces to worship their Lord, the Almighty, God Most High. (WEB) 18 The singers also praised him with their voices. There was a sweet melody in the whole house. (WEB) 19 And the people implored the Lord Most High, in prayer before him who is merciful, until the worship of the Lord was finished, and so they accomplished his service. (WEB) 20 Then he went down, and lifted up his hands over the whole congregation of the children of Israel, to give blessing to the Lord with his lips, and to glory in his name. (WEB) 21 He bowed himself down in worship the second time, to declare the blessing from the Most High. (WEB) 22 Now bless the God of all, who everywhere does… (WEB) 23 … (WEB)
Sirach 50:1–29
Semantically similar passages
Book of Enoch 27:4–5
4 In the days of judgement over the former, they shall bless Him for the mercy in accordance with which He has assigned them (their lot).’ (ENO) 5 Then I blessed the Lord of Glory and set forth His ⌈glory⌉ and lauded Him gloriously. (ENO)
Odes of Solomon 21:4–6
4 And increasingly helpful to me was the thought of the Lord, and His fellowship in incorruption: (ODE) 5 And I was lifted up in His light; and I served before Him, (ODE) 6 And I became near to Him, praising and confessing Him; (ODE)
1 Kings 8:54–56
54 Now when Solomon had finished praying this entire prayer and petition to the LORD, he got up before the altar of the LORD, where he had been kneeling with his hands spread out toward heaven. 55 And he stood and blessed the whole assembly of Israel in a loud voice…
Sirach 47:5–7
5 For he called upon the Most High Lord, and he gave him strength in his right hand to kill a man mighty in war, to exalt the horn of his people. (WEB) 6 So they glorified him for his tens of thousands, and praised him for the blessings of the Lord, in that a glorious d… (WEB)
2 Maccabees 15:33–35
33 and cutting out the tongue of the impious Nicanor, he said that he would give it in pieces to the birds, and hang up these rewards of his folly near the sanctuary. (WEB) 34 They all, looking up to heaven, blessed the Lord who had manifested himself, saying, “Blessed is… (WEB)
Sirach 46:1–3
1 Joshua the son of Nun was valiant in war, and was the successor of Moses in prophecies. He was made great according to his name for the saving of God’s elect, to take vengeance on the enemies that rose up against them, that he might give Israel their inherita… (WEB)
Sirach 45:6–8
6 He exalted Aaron, a holy man like Moses, even his brother, of the tribe of Levi. (WEB) 7 He established an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him the priesthood of the people. He blessed him with stateliness, and dressed him in a glorious robe. (WEB) 8 He clothed him in p… (WEB)
Odes of Solomon 31:3–5
3 He opened His mouth and spake grace and joy: and He spake a new song of praise to His name: (ODE) 4 And He lifted up His voice to the Most High, and offered to Him the sons that were with Him. (ODE) 5 And His face was justified, for thus His holy Father had given to Him. (ODE)
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