Sirach
Chapter 46
Joshua, son of Nun, was a brave warrior and a prophet, succeeding Moses. He lived up to his name by proving himself a savior of God’s chosen people, punishing their enemies and leading Israel to claim their land.
How remarkable to see him, with his arm raised and sword ready to attack the cities!
Who before him had such resilience? He was truly the Lord’s warrior.
Was it not he who held back the sun, making one day last as long as two?
He called upon the Most High when the enemy surrounded him, and the Mighty Lord responded with hailstones of extraordinary size.
He attacked the enemy nation and defeated the attackers at the pass of Beth-horon, so that the nations would recognize Joshua’s strength and know they fought against the Lord.
Joshua remained loyal and dedicated to the Almighty during Moses’ time—he and Caleb, son of Jephunneh. They stood firm against the assembly and tried to stop them from sinning by silencing their wicked murmuring.
Because of this, they were the only two spared out of six hundred thousand people on foot. And they took possession of their inheritance in a land flowing with milk and honey.
The Lord gifted Caleb with strength; he enjoyed this strength until the end of his days, and he went into the hill country that was given to his descendants as their inheritance.
With this, it became clear to all Israel that it is good to follow the Lord.
After that, came the judges. Although each of them earned his own reputation, all were men of faithful heart who did not turn away from the Lord. Blessed be their memory!
May their bones come to life from the tomb, and may the names of these distinguished men live on in their children!
Samuel was a prophet and beloved of the Lord. He established the kingdom and anointed rulers to govern his people.
He judged the assembly according to the law of the Lord, and the Lord protected Jacob.
He was accepted as a prophet because of his faithfulness and proved that his words were those of a trustworthy seer.
He called on the Almighty Lord when the enemy pressed from all sides, and he offered a sucking lamb.
Then, with a mighty roar, the Lord thundered from heaven,
and destroyed all the enemy’s leaders and the tyrants of Philistia.
Before his time for eternal rest came, Samuel called men to witness before the Lord and his anointed: “I have not taken anyone’s belongings, not even his sandals,” and there was no one to accuse him.
Even after he died, he prophesied and revealed to the king his death. From the grave, he spoke as a prophet to wipe out the wickedness of his people.
Commentaries
History.
The hymn of praise to the Creator and the subsequent expression of thanksgiving and admiration for the wonders of creation serve as an introduction to this extensive praise or exaltation of the key figures in Israel’s history. The goal is to demonstrate how God’s power and greatness, as revealed through creation, ultimately find expression in Israel’s long historical journey, from Enoch to Simon (or Simeon), the high priest whom Ben Sirach deeply respects and reveres.
Joshua and Caleb, Judges, Samuel.
The admiration for Joshua stems from his role as Moses’ successor, leading the people to the land God promised their ancestors. Of all who left Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb entered that land (8) because they remained faithful and loyal to the Lord. The Judges are generally remembered as “those who did not allow themselves to be seduced or stray from God,” and many blessings are wished upon their memory. Finally, Ben Sirach praises the figure of Samuel (13-20), whom he presents as a judge (13f), a prophet (15f, 20), a warrior (17f), and above all, a righteous man (19f).