Chapter 47: In tribute to David & Solomon [ Ben Sira's tribute in 47th chapter ]

Within the 47th Chapter of Sirach [ verses 2 - 17 ],

are stories of the greatest kings over a 

United Kingdom.  These poetic lines are

translated from the CEB Study Bible, published

2013 -- general editor, Joel B. Green

Just as the fat is separated from the

offering of well-being,

so David was set apart from the

Israelites.  He played with lions

as if they were young goats,

and with bears as if they were

lambs from the flock.

Didn't he kill a giant in his youth

and take away disgrace from the people,

when he raised his hand with a stone shot

from a sling and struck down the arrogant

Goliath?  David called upon the Lord

Most High,

and the Lord gave strength to his strong arm

to do away with a mighty warrior,

to assert the power of his people.

For this, they glorified him in throngs

of thousands.

They praised him, calling down the Lord's

blessings, when they brought him a glorious

crown.  David destroyed his enemies on

every side, and he despised the Philistines,

his adversaries;  he shattered their power,

which has never recovered.  In everything

he did, he gave thanks to the holy one,

the Most High, with glorious words.

He sang hymns with all his heart, and

he loved his maker.  He appointed singer

with harps before the altar to make sweet

melody with their sounds [ Greek adds

and every day they offer praise with their

songs].  He brought dignity to the festivals,

and he adorned the whole cycle of

sacred seasons [ GK adds he adorned 

the times until their completion ], as they

were praising God's holy name,

and from early morning the sanctuary

resounded.  The Lord took away David's

sins, and he exalted his power forever. 

He established his kingdom by agreement;

and a glorious throne in Israel.

After David a well-instructed son arose,

and because of David, he enjoyed a

large kingdom.  Solomon reigned at

a time of peace.  God gave him tranquility

on every side, so that he might build a house

for God's name and prepare a sanctuary

that would last forever.  

How wise you were in your youth!  

You were filled like a river

with understanding.  Your spirit filled the 

earth, and you were full of puzzling proverbs.

Your name reached faraway islands, and you

were deeply loved because of your peaceful rule.

Countries marveled at you on account of your

songs, your parables, proverbs, and teachings.