Wisdom of Sirach 47
1And after him rose up Nathan to prophesy in the time of David.
2As is the fat taken away from the peace offering, so was David chosen out of the children of Israel.
3He played with lions as with kids, and with bears as with lambs.
4Slew he not a giant, when he was yet but young? and did he not take away reproach from the people, when he lifted up his hand with the stone in the sling, and beat down the boasting of Goliath?
5For he called upon the most high Lord; and he gave him strength in his right hand to kill that mighty warrior, and set up the horn of his people.
6So the people honored him with ten thousands, and praised him in the blessings of the Lord, in that he gave him a crown of glory.
7For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and brought to nothing the Philistines his adversaries, and brake their horn in sunder to this day.
8In all his works he praised the Holy One most high with words of glory; with his whole heart he sung songs, and loved him that made him.
9He set singers also before the altar, that by their voices they might make sweet melody, and daily sing praises in their songs.
10He beautified their feasts, and set in order the solemn times until the end, that they might praise his holy name, and that the temple might sound from morning.
11The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever: he gave him a covenant of kings, and a throne of glory in Israel.
12After him rose up a wise son, and for his sake he lived at large.
13Solomon reigned in a peaceful time, and was honored; for God made all quiet round about him, that he might build an house in his name, and prepare his sanctuary for ever.
14How wise was you in your youth and, as a flood, filled with understanding!
15Your soul covered the whole earth, and you filled it with dark parables.
16Your name went far to the islands; and for your peace you were beloved.
17The countries marveled at you for your songs, and proverbs, and parables, and interpretations.
18By the name of the Lord God, which is called the Lord God of Israel, you did gather gold as tin and did multiply silver as lead.
19You did bow your loins to women, and by your body you were brought into subjection.
20You did stain your honor, and pollute your seed: so that you brought wrath upon your children, and was grieved for your folly.
21So the kingdom was divided, and out of Ephraim ruled a rebellious kingdom.
22But the Lord will never leave off his mercy, neither shall any of his works perish, neither will he abolish the posterity of his elect, and the seed of him that loves him he will not take away: therefore he gave a remnant to Jacob, and out of him a root to David.
23Thus rested Solomon with his fathers, and of his seed he left behind him Roboam, even the foolishness of the people, and one that had no understanding, who turned away the people through his counsel. There was also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin, and showed Ephraim the way of sin:
24And their sins were multiplied exceedingly, that they were driven out of the land.
25For they sought out all wickedness, till the vengeance came upon them.
Commentaries for Wisdom of Sirach 47:0