1
The leader of his brothers and the pride of his people was the high priest, Simon son of Onias, who in his life repaired the house, and in his time fortified the temple.
2
He laid the foundations for the high double walls, the high retaining walls for the temple enclosure.
3
In his days a water cistern was dug, a reservoir like the sea in circumference.
4
He considered how to save his people from ruin, and fortified the city against siege.
5
How glorious he was, surrounded by the people, as he came out of the house of the curtain.
6
Like the morning star among the clouds, like the full moon at the festal season;
7
like the sun shining on the temple of the Most High, like the rainbow gleaming in splendid clouds;
8
like roses in the days of first fruits, like lilies by a spring of water, like a green shoot on Lebanon on a summer day;