Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 50

50:1

It was Simon, the son of Onias, the high priest,

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50:2

The foundation was built by him to the height of the double walls,

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50:3

In his days, a water cistern was dug,

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50:4

He planned to save his people from ruin,

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50:5

How glorious he was when the people gathered around him

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50:6

He was like the morning star amongst clouds,

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50:7

like the sun shining on the temple of the Most High,

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50:8

like roses in the days of first fruits,

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50:9

like fire and incense in the censer,

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50:10

like an olive tree loaded with fruit,

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50:11

When he put on his glorious robe,

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50:12

When he received the portions out of the priests’ hands,

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50:13

All the sons of Aaron in their glory,

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50:14

Finishing the service at the altars,

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50:15

he stretched out his hand to the cup of libation,

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50:16

Then the sons of Aaron shouted.

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50:17

Then all the people together hurried,

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50:18

The singers also praised him with their voices.

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50:19

And the people implored the Lord Most High,

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50:20

Then he went down, and lifted up his hands

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50:21

He bowed himself down in worship the second time,

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50:22

Now bless the God of all,

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50:23

May he grant us joyfulness of heart,

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50:24

to entrust his mercy with us,

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50:25

With two nations my soul is vexed,

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50:26

Those who sit on the mountain of Samaria, the Philistines,

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50:27

I have written in this book the instruction of understanding and knowledge,

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50:28

Blessed is he who will exercise these things.

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50:29

For if he does them, he will be strong in all things,

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