Sirach – Chapter 36

Old Testament28 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Have mercy upon us, O God of all, and behold us, and shew us the light of thy mercies:" — so begins Sirach 36. The chapter centers on Aaron and Jacob. Across its 28 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's mercy and forgiveness. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Have mercy upon us, O God of all, and behold us, and shew us the light of thy mercies:

2And send thy fear upon the nations, that have not sought after thee: that they may know that there is no God beside thee, and that they may shew forth thy wonders.

3Lift up thy hand over the strange nations, that they may see thy power.

4For as thou hast been sanctified in us in their sight, so thou shalt be magnified among them in our presence,

5That they may know thee, as we also have known thee, that there is no God beside thee, O Lord.

6Renew thy signs, and work new miracles.

7Glorify thy hand, and thy right arm.

8Raise up indignation, and pour out wrath.

9Take away the adversary, and crush the enemy.

10Hasten the time, and remember the end, that they may declare thy wonderful works.

11Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire: and let them perish that oppress thy people.

12Crush the head of the princes of the enemies that say: There is no other beside us.

13Gather together all the tribes of Jacob: that they may know that there no God besides thee, and may declare thy great works: and thou shalt inherit them as from the beginning.

14Have mercy on thy people, upon whom thy name is invoked: and upon Israel, whom thou hast raised up to be thy firstborn.

15Have mercy on Jerusalem, the city which thou hast sanctified, the city of thy rest.

16Fill Sion with thy unspeakable words, and thy people with thy glory.

17Give testimony to them that are thy creatures from the beginning, and raise up the prophecies which the former prophets spoke in thy name.

18Reward them that patiently wait for thee, that thy prophets may be found faithful: and hear the prayers of thy servants,

19According to the blessing of Aaron over thy people, and direct us into the way of justice, and let all know that dwell upon the earth, that thou art God the beholder of all ages.

20The belly will devour all meat, yet one is better than another.

21The palate tasteth venison and the wise heart false speeches.

22A perverse heart will cause grief, and a man of experience will resist it.

23A woman will receive every man: yet one daughter is better than another.

24The beauty of a woman cheereth the countenance of her husband, and a man desireth nothing more.

25If she have a tongue that can cure, and likewise mitigate and shew mercy: her husband is not like other men.

26He that possesseth a good wife, beginneth a possession: she is a help like to himself, and a pillar of rest.

27Where there is no hedge, the possession shall be spoiled: and where there is no wife, he mourneth that is in want.

28Who will trust him that hath no rest, and that lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh him, as a robber well appointed, that skippeth from city to city.

Important Verses in Sirach 36

Have mercy upon us, O God of all, and behold us, and shew us the light of thy mercies:

Sirach 36:1

That they may know thee, as we also have known thee, that there is no God beside thee, O Lord.

Sirach 36:5

Have mercy on thy people, upon whom thy name is invoked: and upon Israel, whom thou hast raised up to be thy firstborn.

Sirach 36:14

According to the blessing of Aaron over thy people, and direct us into the way of justice, and let all know that dwell upon the earth, that thou art God the beholder of all ages.

Sirach 36:19

Historical Context

Sirach belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for students of wisdom seeking to live the Law with practical prudence. Chapter 36 of 51 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 28 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Aaron and Jacob appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "Have mercy upon us, O God of all, and behold us, and shew us the light of thy mercies:" The chapter ends with: "Who will trust him that hath no rest, and that lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh him, as a robber well appointed,…" Read against its original backdrop, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) is the longest wisdom book of the Bible, written by a Jerusalem sage who ran a school for young men. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About 180 BC in Hebrew; Greek translation about 132 BC.

Who Wrote It

Jesus ben Sira of Jerusalem; translated into Greek by his grandson

When It Was Written

About 180 BC in Hebrew; Greek translation about 132 BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense presents maxims, observations, or arguments meant to form character and discernment. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Have mercy upon us, O God of all, and behold us, and shew us the light of thy mercies:" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of practical wisdom and fear of the Lord. this deuterocanonical book provides guidance for daily life (CIC 1806). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 302).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that All wisdom comes from the Lord. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Sirach 36 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

People in This Chapter

Aaron1 mentionJacob1 mention

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Sirach Chapter 36, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the dignity of the human person remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of the dignity of the human person bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sirach Chapter 36 about?

Sirach 36 contains 28 verses. It opens with "Have mercy upon us, O God of all, and behold us, and shew us the light of thy mercies:" and closes with "Who will trust him that hath no rest, and that lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh him, as a robber well appointed,…". The book as a whole is wisdom instruction (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Sirach 36?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Have mercy upon us, O God of all, and behold us, and shew us the light of thy mercies:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Sirach Chapter 36?

This chapter mentions Aaron, Jacob.

Who wrote Sirach and when?

Jesus ben Sira of Jerusalem; translated into Greek by his grandson. About 180 BC in Hebrew; Greek translation about 132 BC.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles