Sirach 48

The AIT Bible

Elijah, a Prophet Like Fire

1Then a prophet arose like fire, and his words were like a burning furnace.

2He broke their staff of bread, and in his zeal, he made them few.

3By the word of God he shut up the heavens, and three times brought down fire.

4How awesome you were, Elijah! Who can boast of being like you?

5Who raised the dying from death, and from Sheol by the will of Yahweh.

6Who brought kings down to ruin, and the honored from their beds.

7Who anoints kings for retribution, and a prophet to take your place.

8Who heard rebukes at Sinai, and judgments of vengeance at Horeb.

9Who was taken up in a whirlwind, in troops of fire to the heavens.

10Who is written of as ready for the appointed time, to calm anger before the wrath of God, to turn the hearts of fathers to their sons, and to establish the tribes of Israel.

11Blessed are those who saw you and were adorned with love, for we too shall surely live.

Elisha and the People's Sin

12Elijah was covered by a whirlwind, and Elisha was filled with his spirit. In his days he was not shaken by any ruler, and no one could overpower him.

13No word was too difficult for him, and even in death his body prophesied.

14In his life he performed wonders, and at his death his deeds were marvelous.

15For all this, the people did not repent, nor did they cease from their sins, until they were torn from their land and scattered over all the earth.

16A small remnant was left for Judah, and a leader for the house of David. Some of them did what was right, but some of them sinned greatly.

King Hezekiah and Isaiah

17Hezekiah fortified his city, bringing water into its midst; he tunneled the rock like bronze and dammed the mountains for a reservoir.

18In his days Sennacherib came up and sent the Rabshakeh; he raised his hand against Zion and blasphemed God in his arrogance.

19Then their hearts melted, and they were in anguish like a woman in labor.

20They called to God Most High and spread out their palms to him.

21He struck the camp of Assyria and threw them into confusion with a plague.

22For Hezekiah did what was good and held fast to the ways of David, as Isaiah the prophet commanded him, who is praised among the prophets.

23In his days the sun stood still, and life was added to the king.

24With a spirit of might he saw the future, and he comforted the mourners of Zion.

25He declared things to come forever, and hidden things before they arrived.

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