Sirach 43:5-15

5 Great is the Lord who made it; it speeds on its course by his command.
6 The moon stands at its proper time, a notification of times and an everlasting sign.
7 The sign for a feast comes from the moon, a luminous body that wanes when it completes its course.
8 The new moon shares the character of its name, increasing wonderfully as it changes, a signal on high for armies, shining in the vault of the sky.
9 The stars' glory is the sky's beauty, shining ornaments in the heights of the Lord.
10 They stand at the words of the holy one, just as he orders, and they will never grow tired as they keep watch.
11 Look at the rainbow, exceedingly beautiful in its brightness, and bless the one who made it.
12 It encircled the sky with a glorious ring; the Lord's hands stretched it out.
13 He drives the snow forward by his command, and he speeds the lightning bolts of his judgment on their way.
14 To this end, the storehouses are opened, and clouds fly out like birds.
15 In his might he subdues clouds, and stones are broken apart for hail.

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Heb The moon indicates the seasons
  • [b]. Heb The new moon, like its name, renews itself.
  • [c]. Heb a military beaconfor the clouds on high
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible