Ben Sira 48:7-17

7 At Sinai you heard the Lord rebuke you and declare his determination to punish his enemies.
8 You anointed a king to be the instrument of that punishment, and a prophet to take your place.
9 You were taken up to heaven in a fiery whirlwind, a chariot drawn by fiery horses.
10 The scripture says that you are ready to appear at the designated time, to cool God's anger before it breaks out in fury; that you "will bring parents and children together again," and restore the tribes of Israel.
11 Fortunate are those who live to see you come, as well as those who have already died in love, for we too shall live.
12 When Elijah was hidden by the whirlwind, Elisha was filled with his spirit. As long as he lived, he was not afraid of rulers, and they could not make him do as they wished. 1
13 Nothing was too hard for him. Even when he was dead, his body worked a miracle. 2
14 In life and in death he performed amazing miracles.
15 But in spite of all this, the people did not abandon their sinful ways until they were taken from their land as prisoners and scattered all over the world. This left the nation few in number, but those who remained were still ruled by the descendants of David. 3
16 Some of the people did what was pleasing to the Lord, but others committed sin after sin.
17 Hezekiah prepared his city to resist a siege and provided it with a water supply. He had a tunnel built through solid rock with iron tools and had cisterns built to hold the water. 4

Cross References 4

  • 1. 48.12 2 Kings 2.9,13.
  • 2. 48.13 2 Kings 13.20, 21.
  • 3. 48.15 2 Kings 18.11, 12.
  • 4. 48.17 2 Kings 20.20.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. [Hebrew] you are . . . time; [Greek unclear.]
  • [b]. [Verse 11 in Greek is unclear.]
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.