Sir 47
1
And after him rose up Nathan to prophesy in the time of David.
2
As is the fat taken away from the peace offering, so was David chosen out of the children
of Israel.
3
He played with lions as with kids, and with bears as with lambs.
4
Slew he not a giant, when he was yet but young? and did he not take away reproach
from the people, when he lifted up his hand with the stone in the sling, and beat
down the boasting of Goliath?
5
For he called upon the most high Lord; and he gave him strength in his right hand
to slay that mighty warrior, and set up the horn of his people.
6
So the people honoured him with ten thousands, and praised him in the blessings of
the Lord, in that he gave him a crown of glory.
7
For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and brought to nothing the Philistines
his adversaries, and brake their horn in sunder to this day.
8
In all his works he praised the Holy One most high with words of glory; with his whole
heart he sung songs, and loved him whom made him.
9
He set singers also before the altar, that by their voices they might make sweet melody,
and daily sing praises in their songs.
10
He beautified their feasts, and set in order the solemn times until the end, that
they might praise his holy name, and that the temple might sound from morning.
11
The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever: he gave him a covenant
of kings, and a throne of glory in Israel.
12
After him rose up a wise son, and for his sake he dwelt at large.
13
Solomon reigned in a peaceable time, and was honoured; for God made all quiet round
about him, that he might build an house in his name, and prepare his sanctuary for
ever.
14
How wise were you in your youth and, as a flood, filled with understanding!
15
Your soul covered the whole earth, and you filled it with dark parables.
16
Your name went far to the islands; and for your peace you were beloved.
17
The countries marveled at you for your songs, and proverbs, and parables, and interpretations.
18
By the name of the Lord God, which is called the Lord God of Israel, you did gather
gold as tin and did multiply silver as lead.
19
You did bow your loins to women, and by your body you were brought into subjection.
20
You did stain your honour, and pollute your seed: so that you brought anger upon your
children, and were grieved for your folly.
21
So the kingdom was divided, and out of Ephraim ruled a rebellious kingdom.
22
But the Lord will never leave off his mercy, neither shall any of his works perish,
neither will he abolish the posterity of his elect, and the seed of him whom loves
him he will not take away: wherefore he gave a remnant to Jacob, and out of him a
root to David.
23
Thus rested Solomon with his fathers, and of his seed he left behind him Roboam, even
the foolishness of the people, and one that had no understanding, who turned away
the people through his counsel. There was also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused
Israel to sin, and shewed Ephraim the way of sin:
24
And their sins were multiplied exceedingly, that they were driven out of the land.
25
For they sought out all wickedness, till the vengeance came upon them.