Sirach 47

Sirach 47

Nathan

1After him, Nathan rose up

to prophesy at the time of David.

David

2Just as the fat is separated

from the offering of well-being,

so David was set apart

from the Israelites.

3He played with lions

as if they were young goats,

and with bears

as if they were lambs from the flock.

4Didn’t he kill a giant in his youth

when he raised his hand with a stone shot from a sling

5David called upon the Lord Most High,

and the Lord gave strength

to his strong arm

6For this, they glorified him

in throngs of thousands.

They praised him,

calling down the Lord’s blessings,

when they brought him

a glorious crown.

7David destroyed his enemies

on every side,

and he despised the Philistines,

his adversaries;

he shattered their power,

which has never recovered.

8In everything he did, he gave thanks

to the holy one, the Most High,

with glorious words.

He sang hymns with all his heart,

and he loved his maker.

9He appointed singers with harps

before the altar

to make sweet melody with their sounds.

10He brought dignity to the festivals,

and he adorned the whole cycle

of sacred seasons,

as they were praising God’s holy name,

11The Lord took away David’s sins,

and he exalted his power forever.

He established his kingdom by agreement;

and a glorious throne in Israel.

Solomon

12After David a well-instructed son arose,

and because of David,

he enjoyed a large kingdom.

13Solomon reigned at a time of peace.

God gave him tranquillity on every side,

14How wise you were in your youth!

You were filled

like a river with understanding.

15Your spirit filled the earth,

and you were full of puzzling proverbs.

16Your name reached faraway islands,

and you were dearly loved because of your peaceful rule.

17Countries marveled at you

on account of your songs, parables, proverbs, and teachings.

18In the Lord God’s name,

who is called God over Israel,

19You gave yourself to women,[#47.19 LXX You bent your sides for women ; Heb You gave your genitals to women.]

and you were subdued

by your own body.

20You brought disgrace on your honor,

and you polluted your offspring,

22But the Lord will never

abandon his mercy,

and none of his words will perish.

Therefore, he gave a remnant to Jacob

Establishment of the northern kingdom

23Solomon rested with his ancestors,

and he left behind one of his offspring—

Rehoboam, a foolish man among the people, one lacking understanding.

He caused the people to rebel

because of his policy,

24Their sins increased greatly

until they were removed from their land.

25They explored every kind of wickedness

until vengeance overtook them.

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Published by: Common English Bible