1. krataioV en polemw ihsouV nauh kai diadocoV mwush en profhteiaiV oV egeneto kata to onoma autou megaV epi swthria eklektwn autou ekdikhsai epegeiromenouV ecqrouV opwV kataklhronomhsh ton israhl
2. wV edoxasqh en tw eparai ceiraV autou kai en tw ekteinai romfaian epi poleiV
3. tiV proteroV autou outwV esth touV gar polemouV kuriou autoV ephgagen
4. ouci en ceiri autou enepodisqh o hlioV kai mia hmera egenhqh proV duo
5. epekalesato ton uyiston dunasthn en tw qliyai auton ecqrouV kukloqen kai ephkousen autou megaV kurioV en liqoiV calazhV dunamewV krataiaV
6. katerraxen ep' eqnoV polemon kai en katabasei apwlesen anqesthkotaV ina gnwsin eqnh panoplian autou oti enantion kuriou o polemoV autou
7. kai gar ephkolouqhsen opisw dunastou kai en hmeraiV mwusewV epoihsen eleoV autoV kai caleb uioV iefonnh antisthnai enanti ekklhsiaV kwlusai laon apo amartiaV kai kopasai goggusmon ponhriaV
8. kai autoi duo onteV dieswqhsan apo exakosiwn ciliadwn pezwn eisagagein autouV eiV klhronomian eiV ghn reousan gala kai meli
9. kai edwken o kurioV tw caleb iscun kai ewV ghrouV diemeinen autw epibhnai auton epi to uyoV thV ghV kai to sperma autou katescen klhronomian
10. opwV idwsin panteV oi uioi israhl oti kalon to poreuesqai opisw kuriou
11. kai oi kritai ekastoV tw autou onomati oswn ouk exeporneusen h kardia kai osoi ouk apestrafhsan apo kuriou eih to mnhmosunon autwn en eulogiaiV
12. ta osta autwn anaqaloi ek tou topou autwn kai to onoma autwn antikatallassomenon ef' uioiV dedoxasmenwn autwn
13. hgaphmenoV upo kuriou autou samouhl profhthV kuriou katesthsen basileian kai ecrisen arcontaV epi ton laon autou
14. en nomw kuriou ekrinen sunagwghn kai epeskeyato kurioV ton iakwb
15. en pistei autou hkribasqh profhthV kai egnwsqh en rhmasin autou pistoV orasewV
16. kai epekalesato ton kurion dunasthn en tw qliyai ecqrouV autou kukloqen en prosfora arnoV galaqhnou
17. kai ebronthsen ap' ouranou o kurioV kai en hcw megalw akousthn epoihsen thn fwnhn autou
18. kai exetriyen hgoumenouV turiwn kai pantaV arcontaV fulistiim
19. kai pro kairou koimhsewV aiwnoV epemarturato enanti kuriou kai cristou autou crhmata kai ewV upodhmatwn apo pashV sarkoV ouk eilhfa kai ouk enekalesen autw anqrwpoV
20. kai meta to upnwsai auton proefhteusen kai upedeixen basilei thn teleuthn autou kai anuywsen ek ghV thn fwnhn autou en profhteia exaleiyai anomian laou
Footnotes:
46:1-2 - Joshua is praised for his leadership and unwavering faith in leading Israel to the conquest of the Promised Land. He is seen as an example of obedience to God's will (see also Joshua 1:6-9 and Hebrews 11:30).
46:9-10 - Caleb, because of his loyalty and trust in God, receives a special inheritance in the land. His courage serves as a testimony of faith and perseverance in God's promises (see also Numbers 14:24 and Joshua 14:13-14).
46:11-12 - Israel's judges are remembered for their faithfulness in times of crisis, defending the nation against enemies and maintaining their covenant with God. This highlights the importance of righteous, God-guided leadership (see also Judges 2:16-18 and 1 Samuel 12:11).
46:13-14 - Samuel, the last of the judges, is exalted for his prophetic role and his exemplary life of service to God. His intercession and devotion inspired the people to follow God's will (see also 1 Samuel 7:9 and 1 Samuel 12:23).
46:19-20 - Samuel's death is marked by signs of his faithfulness, and even after his death, his prayer is effective. This highlights the power of intercession and the lasting impact of a life dedicated to God (see also 1 Samuel 25:1 and 1 Samuel 28:11-19).
Verses related to Eclesiástico, 46:
Ecclesiastic chapter 46 honors Joshua, Caleb and the Judges. How does God use leaders to accomplish His purposes? This inspiring text recounts the achievements of these heroes of faith, highlighting their courage, fidelity and leadership. The chapter emphasizes how God works through individuals to accomplish His will and protect His people. Ecclesiasticus 46 also mentions Samuel, highlighting his role as prophet and judge. Investigate with us five biblical passages that complement the lessons in this uplifting chapter.
Joshua 10:12-13: "Then Joshua spoke to the Lord on the day that the Lord delivered the Amorites into the hands of the Israelites; and he said in the presence of the Israelites: Sun, stay at Gibeon, and you, moon, in the valley of Aijalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stood still, until the people took revenge on their enemies." - This excerpt from Joshua directly relates to Ecclesiasticus 46:4-6, which praises Joshua for his faith and power in making the sun and moon stand still.
1 Samuel 7:9: "Then Samuel took an unweaned lamb and offered it whole as a burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on behalf of Israel, and the Lord answered him." - This passage exemplifies Samuel's role as intercessor, reflecting the praise given to him in Ecclesiasticus 46:16-20.
Judges 4:4-5: "Deborah, prophetess, wife of Lapidoth, led Israel at that time. She sat under the palm tree of Deborah, between Ramah and Bethel, in the mountains of Ephraim, and the Israelites sought her out so that she could decide their issues." - This excerpt illustrates the leadership of Deborah, mentioned in Ecclesiasticus 46:11-12 as one of the judges of Israel.
1 Samuel 12:3-4: "Here I am. Testify against me before the Lord and before his anointed: Whose ox did I take? Whose donkey did I take? Who did I defraud? Whom did I oppress? From whose hands did I accept a bribe to close my eyes? Say, I will pay you back. They replied: You have not defrauded us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything out of anyone's hands." - This passage reflects Samuel's integrity, praised in Ecclesiasticus 46:19.
Hebrews 11:32-33: "What else will I say? I don't have time to talk about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, practiced justice, achieved the fulfillment of promises, closed the mouths of lions," - This excerpt from the New Testament mentions several judges and leaders praised in Ecclesiasticus 46, showing the continuity of their importance in the Christian tradition.
FAQ:
Who was Eleazar and what was his role in the history of Israel?
Eleazar, son of Aaron, was a priest who played a crucial role in leading the people of Israel through difficult times, maintaining the sanctity of God's worship. (Sirach 46:13-17)
What is Joshua, son of Nun, remembered for in Ecclesiasticus 46?
Joshua was commended for his bravery and leadership, leading Israel to conquer the Promised Land, obeying God's will, and being faithful to the covenant. (Sirach 46:1-5)
How does Ecclesiasticus 46 describe the deeds of Moses?
Moses is exalted as the leader who freed Israel from slavery in Egypt, received God's Law, and led the people through the wilderness in obedience to God's will. (Sirach 46:1-4)
What can we learn from Ecclesiasticus 46 about Israel's leadership?
Leadership in Israel is characterized by faithfulness to God, courage in difficult times, and the ability to guide the people according to divine principles. (Sirach 46:6-17)
How important is Eleazar in relation to the priesthood?
Eleazar was an example of piety and wisdom in the priesthood, diligently carrying out religious duties and faithfully serving God. (Sirach 46:12-17)
