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Sirach / Chapter 45

Sirach 45

31 verses • Latin Vulgate (Jerome)

Translator's Introduction

What This Chapter Is About

The Praise of the Ancestors continues with Moses, Aaron, and Phinehas. Moses receives brief but intense praise as lawgiver and prophet. Aaron receives by far the most detailed treatment -- his priestly vestments, his anointing, his sacrificial duties, and the eternal covenant of priesthood are described at length. Phinehas is honored for his zeal, which secured a covenant of peace for his descendants.

What Makes This Chapter Remarkable

The disproportionate length of the Aaron section (vv. 7-26) compared to Moses (vv. 1-6) reveals Ben Sira's priorities: he is a priestly partisan. The detailed description of Aaron's vestments parallels Exodus 28 but adds liturgical and theological interpretation. This is the most extensive meditation on the Aaronic priesthood outside the Torah itself.

Translation Friction

The subordination of Moses to Aaron in terms of textual space has troubled commentators who see Moses as the greater figure. Ben Sira's priestly bias is evident: as a sage closely aligned with the Temple establishment, he elevates the priestly office above the prophetic one.

Connections

Exodus 28-29 (priestly vestments and ordination); Leviticus 8-9 (Aaron's consecration); Numbers 25:10-13 (Phinehas' covenant of peace); Hebrews 5-7 (priesthood theology); Psalm 110:4 (priest forever after the order of Melchizedek).

Sirach 45:1

Dilectus Deo et hominibus Moses cuius memoria in benedictione est.

Beloved of God and men was Moses, whose memory is a blessing.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

dilectus Deo et hominibus
"beloved of God and men"

The dual love -- divine and human -- marks Moses as uniquely favored. Only a handful of biblical figures receive this double commendation.

Translator Notes

  1. Moses is introduced with the highest possible commendation: loved by both God and humanity. His memory itself functions as a source of blessing.
Sirach 45:2

Similem illum fecit in gloria sanctorum et magnificavit eum in timore inimicorum et in verbis suis monstra placavit.

He made him equal in glory to the holy ones, and magnified him in the fear of his enemies; by his words he put an end to monstrous signs.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

monstra
"monstrous signs"

The plagues of Egypt, understood as terrifying supernatural disruptions of the natural order that Moses both invoked and controlled.

Translator Notes

  1. 'Holy ones' may be angels or patriarchs. Moses' words had power over the plagues of Egypt ('monstrous signs'), making him master of supernatural phenomena.
Sirach 45:3

Glorificavit illum in conspectu regum et iussit illi coram populo suo et ostendit illi gloriam suam.

He glorified him in the sight of kings, gave him commandments for his people, and showed him his glory.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Three dimensions of Moses' exaltation: before Pharaoh (political), before Israel (legislative), and before God (theophanic).
Sirach 45:4

In fide et lenitate ipsius sanctum fecit illum et elegit eum ex omni carne.

In his faithfulness and meekness he made him holy, and chose him out of all flesh.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

lenitate
"meekness"

Not weakness but gentleness under power; the same quality attributed to Moses in Numbers 12:3 (anav meod).

Translator Notes

  1. Moses' defining virtues: faithfulness (fides) and meekness (lenitas). Numbers 12:3 calls him 'the meekest man on earth.'
Sirach 45:5

Audivit enim eum et vocem ipsius et induxit illum in nubem.

For he heard him and his voice, and led him into the cloud.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

nubem
"the cloud"

The cloud of divine presence (anan) on Mount Sinai; the medium through which God speaks and within which his glory dwells.

Translator Notes

  1. The cloud on Sinai: God drew Moses into the place of divine presence, hidden from all other human eyes (Exodus 24:18).
Sirach 45:6

Et dedit illi coram praecepta et legem vitae et disciplinae docere Iacob testamentum suum et iudicia sua Israhel.

And he gave him the commandments face to face, the law of life and knowledge, to teach Jacob his covenant and Israel his judgments.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

legem vitae et disciplinae
"law of life and knowledge"

The Torah defined by its purpose: it gives life and instructs in wisdom. Not merely legal code but the path to fullness of being.

Translator Notes

  1. 'Face to face' (coram) -- the unique mode of Moses' communication with God (Exodus 33:11, Deuteronomy 34:10). No other prophet received revelation this directly.
Sirach 45:7

Excelsum fecit Aaron fratrem eius et similem sibi de tribu Levi.

He exalted Aaron, his brother, one like him, from the tribe of Levi.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

tribu Levi
"tribe of Levi"

The priestly tribe, set apart from the other eleven for cultic service; their inheritance is the Lord himself rather than territorial land.

Translator Notes

  1. Aaron's section begins. He is 'like' Moses in dignity though not in prophetic status. The Levitical tribe is explicitly named.
Sirach 45:8

Statuit ei testamentum aeternum et dedit illi sacerdotium gentis et beatificavit illum in gloria.

He established with him an eternal covenant and gave him the priesthood of the nation, and made him blessed in glory.

Notes & Key Terms 2 terms

Key Terms

testamentum aeternum
"eternal covenant"

The perpetual priestly covenant, guaranteeing that Aaron's line will serve before God without end.

sacerdotium gentis
"priesthood of the nation"

The priesthood that serves on behalf of the entire people; Aaron mediates between God and all Israel.

Translator Notes

  1. The Aaronic priesthood is eternal by divine covenant. This is the foundational claim of Second Temple priestly theology.
Sirach 45:9

Et cinxit eum zona gloriae et induit eum stolam gloriae et coronavit eum in vasis virtutis.

And he girded him with a belt of glory, and clothed him in a robe of splendor, and crowned him with the vessels of power.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

stolam gloriae
"robe of splendor"

The me'il -- the blue robe of the high priest, here described as radiating divine glory.

Translator Notes

  1. The vesting of Aaron begins: each garment is described as an instrument of divine glory. The clothing transforms the man into the office.
Sirach 45:10

Circumpedes et femoralia et umerale posuit super eum et cinxit illum tintinnabulis aureis plurimis in gyro.

Breeches, a linen garment, and the ephod he placed upon him, and he girded him round about with many golden bells.

Notes & Key Terms 2 terms

Key Terms

tintinnabulis aureis
"golden bells"

Small bells on the hem of the high priest's robe (Exodus 28:33-35) whose ringing signaled his living presence within the Holy Place.

umerale
"ephod"

The high priestly shoulder garment (ephod), adorned with gemstones representing the twelve tribes.

Translator Notes

  1. The vestment inventory continues: the priestly undergarments, the ephod (shoulder garment), and the golden bells whose sound announced the high priest's movements in the sanctuary.
Sirach 45:11

Dare sonitum in incessu suo auditum facere sonitum in templo in memoriam filiis gentis suae.

To give sound as he walked, to make the ringing heard in the temple, as a memorial for the children of his nation.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The bells serve as an auditory memorial: Israel hears the high priest moving within the sanctuary and knows he is alive and interceding before God.
Sirach 45:12

Stolam sanctam auro et hyacintho et purpura opus textile viri sapientis iudicio et veritate praediti.

A holy garment of gold, violet, and purple -- woven work of a skilled man, endowed with judgment and truth.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

iudicio et veritate
"judgment and truth"

The Urim and Thummim -- the priestly oracular devices set in the breastplate, by which God's will was discerned in matters of national importance.

Translator Notes

  1. The breastplate (hoshen) with its gemstones representing the Urim and Thummim -- the instruments of priestly oracular judgment.
Sirach 45:13

Torto cocco opus artificis gemmis pretiosis figuratis in ligatura auri et opere lapidarii sculptis in memoriam secundum numerum tribuum Israhel.

Of twisted scarlet, the work of an artisan, with precious stones set in gold mountings, the work of a stone-cutter engraved as a memorial, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

in memoriam
"as a memorial"

The stones serve as a perpetual reminder before God of the twelve tribes; the high priest literally bears Israel's names into the divine presence.

Translator Notes

  1. Twelve gemstones, each engraved with a tribal name -- the high priest carries all Israel on his breast when he enters God's presence.
Sirach 45:14

Corona aurea super mitram eius expressa signo sanctitatis et gloria honoris et opus virtutis desideria oculorum ornata.

A golden crown upon his turban, engraved with the sign of holiness -- a glory of honor and a work of power, a delight to the eyes in its beauty.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

signo sanctitatis
"sign of holiness"

The inscription 'Qodesh YHWH' (Holy to the Lord) on the gold plate affixed to the turban; the most sacred inscription worn by any human being.

Translator Notes

  1. The golden plate (tsitz) on the turban, engraved 'Holy to the Lord' (Exodus 28:36) -- the visible declaration that the high priest is consecrated.
Sirach 45:15

Ante ipsum non fuerunt tam speciosa usque ad originem.

Before him there was nothing so beautiful since the beginning of the world.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. A superlative claim: the high priestly vestments are the most beautiful objects ever created. Their beauty reflects the glory of the God they serve.
Sirach 45:16

Non est indutus illa alienigena aliquis sed tantum filii ipsius soli et nepotes eius per omne tempus.

No outsider ever wore them, but only his sons and his grandsons throughout all time.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The exclusivity of the vestments: they are restricted to Aaron's biological descendants. This guards the priestly line against encroachment.
Sirach 45:17

Sacrificia illius consumpta sunt igni cotidie.

His sacrifices were consumed by fire each day.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The daily burnt offering (tamid): the continuous sacrifice that maintained the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
Sirach 45:18

Conplevit Moses manus eius et unxit illum oleo sancto.

Moses filled his hands and anointed him with holy oil.

Notes & Key Terms 2 terms

Key Terms

conplevit manus
"filled his hands"

The Hebrew ordination rite: mille et yado -- placing the sacrifice in the priest's hands, consecrating him for service.

oleo sancto
"holy oil"

The anointing oil of Exodus 30:22-33, compounded from myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil; unique to the consecration of priests and sacred objects.

Translator Notes

  1. 'Filled his hands' is the literal meaning of the Hebrew ordination idiom (mille yad); the physical act of placing sacrificial portions in the priest's hands constituted his installation.
Sirach 45:19

Factum est illi in testamentum aeternum et semini eius sicut dies caeli dare sacerdotium et ministrare et benedicere populum eius in nomine ipsius.

It became to him an eternal covenant, and to his seed as enduring as the days of heaven: to serve the priesthood, and to minister, and to bless his people in his name.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Three priestly functions: sacrificial service, liturgical ministry, and pronouncing the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26).
Sirach 45:20

Ipsum elegit ab omni vivente offerre sacrificium Deo incensum et bonum odorem in memoriam placare pro populo suo.

He chose him out of all the living to offer sacrifice to God: incense and a pleasing fragrance as a memorial, to make atonement for his people.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

placare
"make atonement"

To propitiate, to restore the broken relationship between God and Israel through authorized sacrifice.

Translator Notes

  1. The purpose of the priesthood: offering sacrifice that creates a pleasing memorial before God and effects atonement for the community.
Sirach 45:21

Et dedit illi in praeceptis suis potestatem in testamentis iudiciorum docere Iacob testimonia et in lege sua lucem dare Israhel.

And he gave him authority in his commandments, power over the statutes of judgment, to teach Jacob the testimonies and to give Israel light through his law.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The priestly teaching office: Aaron and his descendants are not merely ritual functionaries but authoritative interpreters of Torah.
Sirach 45:22

Quia steterunt alii contra illum et inviderunt illi in deserto viri qui erant cum Dathan et Abiron et congregatio Core in iracundia.

For others stood against him and envied him in the wilderness -- the men who sided with Dathan and Abiram, and the assembly of Korah in their fury.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

Core
"Korah"

The Levite who led a revolt against Moses and Aaron's authority; his destruction by the earth swallowing him alive vindicated the Aaronic priesthood.

Translator Notes

  1. The rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16): the decisive challenge to Aaronic authority, which God answered with dramatic judgment.
Sirach 45:23

Vidit Dominus Deus et non placuit illi et consumpti sunt in impetu iracundiae.

The Lord God saw this and was not pleased, and they were consumed in the fury of his wrath.

Sirach 45:24

Fecit illis monstra et consumpsit illos in flamma ignis.

He wrought wonders against them and consumed them with a flame of fire.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The fire that destroyed Korah's assembly (Numbers 16:35) -- divine fire validating Aaron's exclusive priestly authority.
Sirach 45:25

Et addidit Aaron gloriam et dedit illi hereditatem et primitias frugum terrae divisit illi.

And he added glory to Aaron and gave him an inheritance; he divided for him the firstfruits of the produce of the earth.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

primitias frugum
"firstfruits of the produce"

The priest's share of the harvest offerings; since the Levites had no land, their sustenance came from the offerings of the other tribes.

Translator Notes

  1. The priestly portion: the Levites and priests received no territorial inheritance but instead received the firstfruits and tithes of the other tribes.
Sirach 45:26

Panem ipsis in primis paravit in satietatem nam et sacrificia Domini edent quae dedit illi et semini eius.

He prepared bread for them first, to satisfy them; for they eat the sacrifices of the Lord, which he gave to him and to his seed.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The showbread (lechem hapanim) and the priestly portions of sacrifices provide the priests' sustenance -- eating holy food as part of their sacred service.
Sirach 45:27

Ceterum in terra gentis non hereditabit et pars non est illi in gente pars enim eius et hereditas Dominus est.

But in the land of the nation he has no inheritance, and he has no share among the people, for the Lord himself is his portion and his inheritance.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

pars eius et hereditas Dominus est
"the Lord himself is his portion and his inheritance"

The most radical claim in Levitical theology: the priests' inheritance is not territory but God himself. Everything else is derivative.

Translator Notes

  1. The climactic statement of Levitical theology: God himself replaces land as the priestly inheritance (Numbers 18:20, Deuteronomy 10:9).
Sirach 45:28

Finees filius Eleazari tertius in gloria est in imitando illum in timore Domini.

Phinehas son of Eleazar is third in glory, for his zeal in the fear of the Lord.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

Finees
"Phinehas"

The grandson of Aaron who killed the Israelite man and Midianite woman at Shittim, stopping the plague and earning a covenant of perpetual priesthood.

Translator Notes

  1. Phinehas ranks third after Moses and Aaron. His 'glory' derives from the incident at Baal-Peor (Numbers 25) where his violent intervention stopped a plague.
Sirach 45:29

Et stare eum in reverentia gentis in bonitate et alacritate animae suae placuit Deo pro Israhel.

For he stood firm in the reverence of the nation, and in the goodness and eagerness of his soul he was pleasing to God on behalf of Israel.

Sirach 45:30

Ideo statuit illi testamentum pacis principem sanctorum et gentis suae ut sit illi et semini eius sacerdotii dignitas in aeternum.

Therefore he established with him a covenant of peace, making him prince of the sanctuary and of his nation, so that the dignity of the priesthood should belong to him and to his seed forever.

Notes & Key Terms 2 terms

Key Terms

testamentum pacis
"covenant of peace"

The berit shalom granted to Phinehas (Numbers 25:12): an ironic title, since the covenant was earned through an act of lethal violence in defense of God's honor.

principem sanctorum
"prince of the sanctuary"

Leader of the holy things and holy people; the highest priestly authority, combining ritual and administrative leadership.

Translator Notes

  1. The 'covenant of peace' (berit shalom) from Numbers 25:12 -- Phinehas' violent zeal paradoxically earned a covenant defined by peace.
Sirach 45:31

Et testamentum David regi filio Iesse de tribu Iuda hereditas ipsi et semini eius ut daret sapientiam in cor nostrum iudicare gentem suam in iustitia ne aboleantur bona ipsorum et gloriam ipsorum in gentem eorum aeternam fecit.

So too the covenant with David the king, son of Jesse, of the tribe of Judah: the inheritance was his and his seed's alone, that he might give wisdom to our hearts to judge his people in justice, so that their blessings might not be abolished, and he made their glory eternal among their nation.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

testamentum David
"covenant with David"

The Davidic covenant of 2 Samuel 7: the promise of an everlasting dynasty, here set alongside the Aaronic priestly covenant as the twin pillars of Israel's covenantal structure.

Translator Notes

  1. The chapter closes by paralleling the priestly covenant of Aaron with the royal covenant of David. Two eternal covenants -- priestly and royal -- frame Israel's institutional life.
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