Sirach – Chapter 45

Old Testament31 Verses

Chapter Summary

Sirach 45 opens with the words: "Moses was beloved of God, and men: whose memory is in benediction." The chapter centers on Aaron, Jacob and Moses. Across its 31 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and God's covenant promises. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Moses was beloved of God, and men: whose memory is in benediction.

2He made him like the saints in glory, and magnified him in the fear of his enemies, and with his words he made prodigies to cease.

3He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him commandments in the sight of his people, and shewed him his glory.

4He sanctified him in his faith, and meekness, and chose him out of all flesh.

5For he heard him, and his voice, and brought him into a cloud.

6And he gave him commandments before his face, and a law of life and instruction, that he might teach Jacob his covenant, and Israel his judgments.

7He exalted Aaron his brother, and like to himself of the tribe of Levi:

8He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him the priesthood of the nation, and made him blessed in glory,

9And he girded him about with a glorious girdle, and clothed him with a robe of glory, and crowned him with majestic attire.

10He put upon him a garment to the feet, and breeches, and an ephod, and he compassed him with many little bells of gold all round about,

11That as he went there might be a sound, and a noise made that might be heard in the temple, for a memorial to the children of his people.

12He gave him a holy robe of gold, and blue, and purple, a woven work of a wise man, endued with judgment and truth:

13Of twisted scarlet the work of an artist, with precious stones cut and set in gold, and graven by the work of a lapidary for a memorial, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

14And a crown of gold upon his mitre wherein was engraved Holiness, an ornament of honour: a work of power, and delightful to the eyes for its beauty.

15Before him there were none so beautiful, even from the beginning.

16No stranger was ever clothed with them, but only his children alone, and his grandchildren for ever.

17His sacrifices were consumed with fire every day.

18Moses filled his hands and anointed him with holy oil.

19This was made to him for an everlasting testament, and to his seed as the days of heaven, to execute the office of the priesthood, and to have praise, and to glorify his people in his name.

20He chose him out of all men living, to offer sacrifice to God, incense, and a good savour, for a memorial to make reconciliation for his people:

21And he gave him power in his commandments, in the covenants of his judgments, that he should teach Jacob his testimonies, and give light to Israel in his law.

22And strangers stood up against him, and through envy the men that were with Dathan and Abiron, compassed him about in the wilderness, and the congregation of Core in their wrath.

23The Lord God saw and it pleased him not, and they were consumed in his wrathful indignation.

24He wrought wonders upon them, and consumed them with a flame of fire.

25And he added glory to Aaron, and gave him an inheritance, and divided unto him the firstfruits of the increase of the earth.

26He prepared them bread in the first place unto fulness: for the sacrifices also of the Lord they shall eat, which he gave to him, and to his seed.

27But he shall not inherit among the people in the land, and he hath no portion among the people: for he himself is his portion and inheritance.

28Phinees the son of Eleazar is the third in glory, by imitating him in the fear of the Lord:

29And he stood up in the shameful fall of the people: in the goodness and readiness of his soul he appeased God for Israel.

30Therefore he made to him a covenant of peace, to be the prince of the sanctuary, and of his people, that the dignity of priesthood should be to him and to his seed for ever.

31And a covenant to David the king, the son of Jesse of the tribe of Juda, an inheritance to him and to his seed, that he might give wisdom into our heart to judge his people in justice, that their good things might not be abolished, and he made their glory in their nation everlasting.

Important Verses in Sirach 45

Moses was beloved of God, and men: whose memory is in benediction.

Sirach 45:1

He made an everlasting covenant with him, and gave him the priesthood of the nation, and made him blessed in glory,

Sirach 45:8

And he gave him power in his commandments, in the covenants of his judgments, that he should teach Jacob his testimonies, and give light to Israel in his law.

Sirach 45:21

And a covenant to David the king, the son of Jesse of the tribe of Juda, an inheritance to him and to his seed, that he might give wisdom into our heart to judge his people in justice, that their good things might not be abolished, and he made their glory in their nation everlasting.

Sirach 45:31

Historical Context

Sirach belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for students of wisdom seeking to live the Law with practical prudence. Chapter 45 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 31 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Aaron, Jacob, Moses and Eleazar, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "Moses was beloved of God, and men: whose memory is in benediction." The chapter ends with: "And a covenant to David the king, the son of Jesse of the tribe of Juda, an inheritance to him and to his seed, that he…" The wider setting of Sirach is this: Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) is the longest wisdom book of the Bible, written by a Jerusalem sage who ran a school for young men. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: 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: "Moses was beloved of God, and men: whose memory is in benediction." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

Catholic exegesis reads Sirach 45 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. this deuterocanonical book provides guidance for daily life (CIC 1806). St. Augustine and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1362).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

People in This Chapter

Aaron2 mentionsJacob2 mentionsMoses2 mentionsEleazar1 mentionDavid1 mentionJesse1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Sirach Chapter 45, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of practical wisdom and fear of the Lord.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Sirach Chapter 45 supports that call by drawing attention to the moral law as path to freedom within the wider message that All wisdom comes from the Lord.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 721).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sirach Chapter 45 about?

Sirach 45 contains 31 verses. It opens with "Moses was beloved of God, and men: whose memory is in benediction." and closes with "And a covenant to David the king, the son of Jesse of the tribe of Juda, an inheritance to him and to his seed, that he…". The book as a whole is wisdom instruction (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Sirach 45?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Moses was beloved of God, and men: whose memory is in benediction." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Sirach Chapter 45?

This chapter mentions Aaron, Jacob, Moses, Eleazar, David, among others.

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.

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