Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 43: 1 - 12, 27 - 32
Revised Standard Version
43:1 The pride of the heavenly heights is the clear firmament, the appearance
of heaven in aspectacle of glory.
43:2 The sun, when it appears, making proclamation as it goes forth, is a marvelous
instrument, the work of the Most High.
43:3 At noon it parches the land; and who can withstand its burning heat?
43:4 A man tending a furnace works in burning heat, but the sun burns the
mountains three times asmuch; it breathes out fiery vapors, and with bright
beams it blinds the eyes.
43:5 Great is the Lord who made it; and at his command it hastens on its
course.
43:6 He made the moon also, to serve in its season to mark the times and
to be an everlasting sign.
43:7 From the moon comes the sign for feast days, a light that wanes when
it has reached the full.
43:8 The month is named for the moon, increasing marvelously in its phases,
an instrument of thehosts on high shining forth in the firmament of heaven.
43:9 The glory of the stars is the beauty of heaven, a gleaming array in
the heights of the Lord.
43:10 At the command of the Holy One they stand as ordered, they never
relax in their watches.
43:11 Look upon the rainbow, and praise him who made it, exceedingly beautiful
in its brightness.
43:12 It encircles the heaven with its glorious arc; the hands of the Most
High have stretched it out.
43:27 Though we speak much we cannot reach the end, and the sum of our
words is: "He is the all."
43:28 Where shall we find strength to praise him? For he is greater than
all his works.
43:29 Terrible is the Lord and very great, and marvelous is his power.
43:30 When you praise the Lord, exalt him as much as you can; for he will
surpass even that. When you exalt him, put forth all your strength, and
do not grow weary, for you cannot praise him enough.
43:31 Who has seen him and can describe him? Or who can extol him as he
is?
43:32 Many things greater than these lie hidden, for we have seen but few of his
works.
Web Author: Charles Wohlers
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