In one of our classes we are studying Intertestamental Literature (or Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period), and are currently making our way through some of the Apocryphal books. I have basically never read these before, but am really enjoying them. We recently studied the Wisdom of Ben Sirach/Ecclesiasticus, which is often compared with a book like Proverbs where “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 1:7). When I was reading through its fifty-one chapters the other day, the following chapter really caught my attention…especially the last section.
I am also including a few pictures of this beautiful and diverse country I’ve taken over the past month as well.
Enjoy!
Ben Sirach 43
[1] The pride of the heavenly heights is the clear firmament, the appearance of heaven in a spectacle of glory.
[2] The sun, when it appears, making proclamation as it goes forth, is a marvelous instrument, the work of the Most High.
[3] At noon it parches the land; and who can withstand its burning heat?
[4] A man tending a furnace works in burning heat, but the sun burns the mountains three times as much; it breathes out fiery vapors, and with bright beams it blinds the eyes.
[5] Great is the Lord who made it; and at his command it hastens on its course.
[6] He made the moon also, to serve in its season to mark the times and to be an everlasting sign.
[7] From the moon comes the sign for feast days, a light that wanes when it has reached the full.
[8] The month is named for the moon, increasing marvelously in its phases, an instrument of the hosts on high shining forth in the firmament of heaven.
[9] The glory of the stars is the beauty of heaven, a gleaming array in the heights of the Lord.
[10] At the command of the Holy One they stand as ordered, they never relax in their watches.
[11] Look upon the rainbow, and praise him who made it, exceedingly beautiful in its brightness.
[12] It encircles the heaven with its glorious arc; the hands of the Most High have stretched it out.
[13] By his command he sends the driving snow and speeds the lightnings of his judgment.
[14] Therefore the storehouses are opened, and the clouds fly forth like birds.
[15] In his majesty he amasses the clouds, and the hailstones are broken in pieces.
[16] At his appearing the mountains are shaken; at his will the south wind blows.
[17] The voice of his thunder rebukes the earth; so do the tempest from the north and the whirlwind. He scatters the snow like birds flying down, and its descent is like locusts alighting.
[18] The eye marvels at the beauty of its whiteness, and the mind is amazed at its falling.
[19] He pours the hoarfrost upon the earth like salt, and when it freezes, it becomes pointed thorns.
[20] The cold north wind blows, and ice freezes over the water; it rests upon every pool of water, and the water puts it on like a breastplate.
[21] He consumes the mountains and burns up the wilderness, and withers the tender grass like fire.
[22] A mist quickly heals all things; when the dew appears, it refreshes from the heat.
[23] By his counsel he stilled the great deep and planted islands in it.
[24] Those who sail the sea tell of its dangers, and we marvel at what we hear.
[25] for in it are strange and marvelous works, all kinds of living things, and huge creatures of the sea.
[26] Because of him his messenger finds the way, and by his word all things hold together.
[27] Though we speak much we cannot reach the end, and the sum of our words is:
"He is the all."
[28] Where shall we find strength to praise him?
For he is greater than all his works.
[29] Terrible is the Lord and very great, and marvelous is his power.
[30] When you praise the Lord, exalt him as much as you can; for he will surpass even that. When you exalt him, put forth all your strength, and do not grow weary,
for you cannot praise him enough.
[31] Who has seen him and can describe him? Or who can extol him as he is?
[32] Many things greater than these lie hidden, for we have seen but few of his works.
[33] For the Lord has made all things, and to the godly he has granted wisdom.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment