Sirach 44:1-23
1. Let's give praise to well-known men and the ancestors who came before us.
2. The Lord showed great power and glory through them since the beginning.
3. They were rulers in their kingdoms, renowned for their wisdom and ability to give guidance and prophecies.
4. Leaders who advised the people with wisdom and knowledge, offering wise instruction.
5. Some were skilled in music and writing poetry.
6. Wealthy men who lived peacefully in their homes.
7. They were respected in their time and brought honor to their generation.
8. Some are remembered and praised for their deeds.
9. Their descendants will inherit a good legacy and continue in the covenant.
10. Their legacy will endure for generations.
11. Their descendants will continue forever, and their glory will not fade.
12. They were buried peacefully, and their name lives on through the generations.
13. People will speak of their wisdom and praise them.
14. Enoch pleased the Lord and set an example of repentance for future generations.
15. Noah was righteous and spared during the flood, leading to the survival of a remnant on Earth.
16. Covenants were made with Noah to prevent another flood.
17. Abraham was a great father of many nations, unmatched in glory.
18. He kept God's law and entered into a covenant with Him, proving to be faithful.
19. God promised to bless the nations through Abraham's seed, multiplying them abundantly.
20. In Isaac and Jacob, the blessings and covenants continued for the sake of their ancestors.
21. Jacob's blessings were segmented among his twelve tribes.

Sirach 45:1-26
[1] - He brought forth a man of compassion, who was held in high esteem by all; a man loved by both God and people - Moses, whose memory is revered.
[2] - He elevated him to the level of the saints and magnified him in the eyes of his adversaries.
[3] - Through his words, he caused miracles to cease; He honored him in the presence of kings, giving him commandments for His people and revealing part of His glory.
[4] - He sanctified Moses in his faithfulness and humility, selecting him above all others.
[5] - He allowed Moses to hear His voice, guiding him through darkness and giving him commandments face to face - imparting the law of life and knowledge so he could teach the covenant to Jacob and the judgments to Israel.
[6] - Aaron, a holy man like Moses and his brother from the tribe of Levi, was exalted by Him.
[7] - He established an eternal covenant for Aaron, granting him the priesthood of the people; adorning him in beautiful garments and a robe of glory.
[8] - He adorned him with garments of supreme joy and honored him with garments of distinction - linen breeches, a long robe, and an ephod.
[9] - He adorned Aaron with golden pomegranates and bells, creating a sound as he moved, echoing in the temple as a lasting memorial for his people.
[10] - Aaron wore a sacred garment fashioned by skilled embroiderers in gold, blue, and purple, along with the Urim and Thummim for judgment.
[11] - The craftsmen created Aaron's garment with twisted scarlet fabric, adorned with precious stones engraved like a seal in gold settings, a tribute to the tribes of Israel.
[12] - A golden crown rested upon Aaron's headgear, with 'HOLINESS' engraved like a seal - an emblem of honor and strength, appealing to the eye and radiating beauty.
[13] - Before Aaron, there had never been anyone like him; only his sons and descendants were allowed to wear such attire perpetually.
[14] - His offerings were to be completely consumed twice daily without fail.
[15] - Moses consecrated Aaron and anointed him with holy oil, establishing an eternal covenant for him and his descendants to serve as priests, bless the people in His name, and minister to Him for all time.
[16] - He specifically selected Aaron from all the living to offer sacrifices, incense, and fragrant offerings to the Lord for remembrance and to seek reconciliation for the people.
[17] - Through His commandments, Aaron was given authority in the covenant of judgments to teach Jacob the testimonies and enlighten Israel in His law.
[18] - Strangers envied Aaron in the wilderness, including Dathan, Abiram, and the congregation of Korah, leading to their destruction in God's anger and the display of wonders through consuming fire.
[19] - The Lord added glory to Aaron and granted him a heritage, bestowing upon him the first fruits of the harvest and abundant bread offerings.
[21] - Although Aaron had no earthly inheritance among the people, God Himself was his portion and inheritance.
[23] - Phinehas, son of Eleazar, was honorable for his zeal in the fear of the Lord and his unwavering commitment to righteousness, making reconciliation for Israel in times of straying.
[24] - A covenant of peace was established for Phinehas, granting him leadership among the saints and his people, ensuring the eternal dignity of the priesthood for him and his descendants.
[25] - God made a covenant with David, from the tribe of Judah, granting him an inheritance as king for his line, similar to the inheritance of Aaron for his descendants.
[26] - May God grant you wisdom in your heart to judge His people justly, ensuring their good things are not taken away and their glory endures through all generations.

Sirach 46:1-20
[1] - Joshua, the valiant son of Nun, succeeded Moses as a prophet and was greatly exalted in fulfilling God's plan to save His chosen people and secure their inheritance by avenging their enemies.
[2] - His glory was evident in his lifted hands and drawn sword against the enemy cities.
[3] - None stood as steadfast as Joshua, for the Lord Himself delivered his enemies into his hands.
[4] - By his hand, the sun stood still and a day was prolonged as if two days had passed.
[5] - He cried out to the Almighty in the midst of battle, and the Lord, the great and mighty One, heard him.
[6] - With powerful hailstones, he waged war fiercely against the nations, showing his strength in the presence of the Lord and proving his allegiance to the Almighty.
[7] - Like Caleb, Joshua showed mercy and courage during Moses' time, resisting sin and quelling murmurs of wickedness among the people.
[8] - Out of six hundred thousand, only Joshua and Caleb were spared to lead the people into the promised land, a land flowing with milk and honey.
[9] - The Lord granted Caleb strength into his old age, allowing him to claim his portion of the promised land, setting an example for all Israel to follow the ways of the Lord.
[10] - May the judges, who remained faithful to the Lord, be remembered and honored for their devotion.
[11] - May their memory be blessed, and may their descendants be honored and flourish once more.
[13] - Samuel, beloved prophet of the Lord, established a kingdom and anointed princes over the people, judging them by the law of the Lord.
[14] - Through his faithful actions and words, Samuel was proven to be a true prophet and faithful in his visions.
[16] - In times of trouble, Samuel called upon the Lord with humble offerings, and God's thunderous response was heard from heaven.
[18] - Samuel decisively defeated the rulers of Tyre and the princes of the Philistines by the power of the Lord.
[19] - Even before his long rest, Samuel proclaimed his innocence before the Lord and his anointed, and no accusations were made against him.
[20] - After his passing, Samuel continued to prophesy and foretold the fate of the king, his voice lifting from the earth to condemn the wickedness of the people.

Sirach 47:1-25
[1] - Following David, the prophet Nathan arose to prophesy in his time.
[2] - David, like fat separated from a peace offering, was set apart from the rest of Israel.
[3] - David fearlessly faced lions and bears, as if they were mere playthings.
[4] - In his youth, David slew a giant and defended the honor of his people by defeating Goliath with a sling stone.
[5] - By calling upon the Most High Lord, David was granted strength to defeat mighty warriors and bring glory to his people.
[6] - David was celebrated for his victories and blessings from the Lord, receiving a crown of glory as a sign of his accomplishments.
[7] - He vanquished his enemies on all sides, including the Philistines, shattering their power until this day.
[8] - In all his actions, David gave thanks and praised the Holy One Most High with a devoted heart.
[9] - He appointed singers to offer music before the altar, enhancing the beauty of his feasts and the sanctity of the sanctuary.
[10] - His reign was marked by perfect order and joy, with praises to His holy name resounding from dawn till dusk.
[11] - The Lord forgave David's sins, exalting his reputation forever and establishing a covenant of kingship and glory for him in Israel.
[13] - Solomon succeeded David in a time of peace, granted rest by God to build a lasting sanctuary for His name.
[14] - Solomon was renowned for his wisdom and understanding, likened to a river overflowing with knowledge.
[16] - His fame and wisdom extended far and wide, earning him love and respect beyond his own lands.
[17] - Nations marveled at Solomon's songs, proverbs, and interpretations, recognizing his extraordinary insight.
[18] - By the grace of God, Solomon amassed great wealth, turning gold into abundance and multiplying silver like lead.
[19] - You yielded yourself to the influence of women, and allowed yourself to be controlled by the desires of your body.
[20] - Sadly, Solomon's downfall came in his later years, falling into sin and bringing dishonor to his name and lineage. His actions led to division and consequences for his descendants, bringing sorrow for his foolishness.
[21] - Despite the repercussions, the Lord's mercy endures, preserving the lineage of those who love Him, and granting a remnant to David and Jacob.
[23] - Solomon passed away and was succeeded by his son Rehoboam, whose foolish decisions led to unrest and division in the kingdom.
[25] - The people's wickedness multiplied, leading to their eventual removal from the land as a result of their sins and seeking of vengeance.

Sirach 48:1-25
[1] - Elijah the prophet arose as a mighty force, known as the "Prophet of fire", His words blazing like a torch:
[2] - He brought about a famine, And through his zeal, their numbers dwindled.
[3] - By the command of the Lord, he shut off the heavens, Three times he called forth fire.
[4] - How Elijah's deeds were magnified! None can compare to his glory.
[5] - He raised a dead man, And brought him back from the grave by the powerful word of the Most High:
[6] - He humbled kings and esteemed men from their positions:
[7] - At Sinai, he received rebuke, And faced God's vengeful judgments at Horeb:
[8] - He anointed kings for judgment, And prophets to continue his legacy:
[9] - Whisked away in a fiery whirlwind, On a chariot of fiery horses:
[10] - He was renowned for timely rebukes, To appease anger before it turned to wrath; To reconcile fathers with their sons, And to bring back the tribes of Jacob.
[11] - Fortunate are those who saw him, And those who were adorned with his love; For we too will surely live.
[12] - Elijah was caught up in a whirlwind: And Elisha was filled with his spirit; Throughout his life, he feared no ruler, And no one could subdue him.
[13] - Nothing was beyond his grasp; Even in his rest, his body foretold prophecies.
[14] - Just as he performed wonders in life, So too were his deeds marvelous in death.
[15] - Yet the people did not repent, And continued in their sins, Until they were exiled from their land, And scattered throughout the earth; Only a remnant remained, And a ruler held firm in David's line.
[16] - Some found favor with God, While others persisted in sin.
[17] - Hezekiah fortified his city, And brought water within them: He hewed solid rock with iron, And dug wells for water.
[18] - When Sennacherib attacked, And sent Rabshakeh before retreating; He raised his hand against Zion, And boasted in his arrogance.
[19] - Their hearts and hands quaked, And they anguished like women in labor;
[20] - They cried out to the compassionate Lord, Reaching out their hands to Him: And the Holy One swiftly heard them from on high, And saved them through Isaiah.
[21] - He struck down the Assyrian camp, And His angel annihilated them entirely.
[22] - For Hezekiah pleased the Lord, And walked in the ways of his forefather David, As guided by the faithful prophet Isaiah.
[23] - In his time, the sun moved back; And he prolonged the life of the king.
[24] - He foresaw future occurrences through a remarkable spirit; And he comforted those mourning in Zion.
[25] - He revealed events that would unfold until the end of days, And disclosed hidden matters before their occurrence.

Sirach 49:1-16
1. The remembrance of Josiah is akin to a fragrant incense crafted by a skilled perfumer: It will be pleasing to every palate, like honey, and as delightful as music at a wine feast.
2. He conducted himself with integrity in leading the people's spiritual transformation and eradicating detestable practices of sin.
3. He remained steadfast in his devotion to the Lord; during times of moral decay, he promoted righteousness.
4. Other than David, Hezekiah, and Josiah, all kings transgressed by abandoning the commandments of the Most High, leading to the failure of the kings of Judah.
5. They relinquished their authority to foreign powers and their honor to unfamiliar nations.
6. Their actions resulted in the destruction of the revered city and left its streets deserted, fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah.
7. Despite facing mistreatment, he was sanctified from birth to be a prophet, tasked with uprooting, afflicting, and destroying, as well as building and planting.
8. Ezekiel beheld the glorious vision revealed by God as he rode on the chariot of cherubim.
9. He had a heart for the oppressed, remembering those in distress and showing kindness to the upright in their ways.
10. May the remains of the twelve prophets flourish again from their resting places, offering comfort to Jacob and delivering them with hope.
11. How can we extol Zerubbabel, who was like a precious seal on the right hand?
12. Similarly, Jesus, the son of Josedek, oversaw the construction of the holy temple in their time, elevating a dedicated people for eternal honor.
13. Nehemiah's commendable actions are worth recalling; he restored the fallen walls, erected gates and bars, and rebuilt the homes of the people.
14. Enoch stood out as a unique individual on earth, as he was taken up from it.
15. Joseph, a distinguished leader among his people, provided stability and his remains were venerated.
16. Shem and Seth were glorified among men; and Adam is exalted above all living beings in the entire creation.

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