Simon Son of Onias

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

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

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

A Benediction

²² Now then, give praise to the God of the universe, who has done great things everywhere, who brings us up^[e] from the time we are born, and deals with us mercifully. ²³ May he give us happiness and allow us to have peace in Israel forever. ²⁴ May he continue his mercy to us and rescue us in our time of need.

Three Hated Nations

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

The Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach

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