It was Simon, the son of Onias, the great priest,

2 And by him was built from the foundation the height of the double wall,

3 In his days the cistern of waters was diminished,

4 It was he that took thought for his people that they should not fall,

5 How glorious was he when the people gathered round him

6 As the morning star in the midst of a cloud,

7 As the sun shining forth upon the temple of the Most High,

8 As the flower of roses in the days of new fruits,

9 As fire and incense in the censer,

10 As an olive tree budding forth fruits,

11 When he took up the robe of glory,

12 And when he received the portions out of the priests’ hands,

13 And all the sons of Aaron in their glory,

14 And finishing the service at the altars,

15 He stretched out his hand to the cup,

16 Then shouted the sons of Aaron,

17 Then all the people together hasted,

18 The singers also praised him with their voices;

19 And the people besought the Lord Most High,

20 Then he went down, and lifted up his hands

21 And he bowed himself down in worship the second time,

22 And now bless ye the God of all,

23 May he grant us joyfulness of heart,

24 To entrust his mercy with us;

25 With two nations is my soul vexed,

26 They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, and the Philistines,

27 I have written in this book the instruction of understanding and knowledge,

28 Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things;

29 For if he do them, he shall be strong to all things: