1
The leader of his brethren and the pride of his people was Simon the high priest, 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 cistern for water was quarried out, a reservoir like the sea in circumference.
4
He considered how to save his people from ruin, and fortified the city to withstand a seige.
5
How glorious he was when the people gathered round him as he came out of the inner sanctuary!
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.