Great one of his brethren, and glory of his people, was Simon, son of Johanan, the priest;

in whose generation the house was repaired; and in whose days the temple was fortified.

In whose generation a cistern was digged; a pit like the sea in its abundance.

In whose days a wall was built; a bulwark of refuge in the temple of the King.

Who took thought for his people against the spoiler; and fortified his city against the besieger.

How glorious was he when he looked forth from the tent; and when he went out from the house of the veil!

As the morning star from amid thick clouds; and as the full moon in the days of the solemn feast.

And as the sun dawning upon the temple of the King; and as rainbow seen in the cloud.

As budding branch in the days of the solemn feast; and as the lotus by the watercourses.

As flower of Lebanon in the days of summer; and as fire of incense upon the meal-offering:

as a gold plated vessel, and a chalice, that is set with pleasant stones.

As a green olive full of berries; and as a wild olive tree with branches full of sap.

When he put on robes of honour; and clothed himself with robes of beauty.

When he ascended the altar of majesty; and made glorious the precinct of the sanctuary.

When he received the pieces out of the hand of his brethren; while himself standing by the altar-fires:

round him a crown of sons, like cedar plants in Lebanon.

And they compassed him about like willows of the brook:

all the sons of Aaron in their glory:

with the offerings made to the Lord in their hand, before all the congregation of Israel.

Until he finished serving the altar, and arranging the offerings of the Most High.

Then sounded the sons of Aaron, the priests, with trumpets of turnery.

And they sounded, and made their glorious voice heard; to bring to remembrance before the Most High.

All flesh together hasted, and fell down upon their faces to the earth:

to worship before the Most High; before the Holy One of Israel.

And the choir uttered its voice; and over the multitude they made sweet melody.

And all the people of the land chanted, in prayer before the Merciful.

Until he finished serving the altar; and had brought its customary offerings unto it.

Then he came down, and lifted up his hands over all the congregation of Israel.

And the blessing of the Lord was on his lips; and in the name of the Lord he gloried.

And they bowed down again a second time, the people all of them, before God.

Now bless ye the Lord, the God of Israel, who doeth wonderously in the land.

That bringeth up man from the womb; and maketh him according to His will.

May He give you wisdom of heart; and may there be peace among you.

May His mercy stand fast with Simon; and may He confirm to him the covenant of Phinehas,

which He executed unto him and unto his seed, as the days of heaven.

Two nations my soul abhorreth; and the third is no people:

the inhabitants of Seir and Philistia; and the foolish nation that dwelleth in Sichem.

The instruction of understanding and proverbs fitly spoken of Simon, son of Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sira.

Whose heart prophesied as with a harp; and who poured forth understanding.

Happy is the man that meditateth on these; and he that layeth them to his heart shall be wise.

For the fear of the Lord is life.