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.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, 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.