Old Testament

New Testament

Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 45:4-18 Good News Bible Catholic Edition (GNBDK)

4. The Lord chose Moses out of the whole human race and consecrated him because of his loyalty and humility.

5. He let him hear his voice and led him into the dark cloud, where, face to face, he gave him the commandments, the Law that gives life and knowledge, so that Moses might teach the covenant regulations to the Israelites.

6. The Lord raised up Aaron, a holy man like his brother Moses, of the tribe of Levi.

7. He made an eternal covenant with him, giving him the privilege of serving as priest to the Lord's people. He honoured him by clothing him with magnificent robes and fine ornaments,

8. perfect in their splendour. He granted him the symbols of authority: the linen shorts, the shirt, and the robe with the pomegranates round the hem.

9. Gold bells were also round its hem, so that when he walked, their ringing would be heard in the Temple, and the Lord would remember his people.

10. The Lord gave Aaron the sacred robe with the gold, blue, and purple embroidery; the breastpiece with the Urim and Thummim,

11. the red yarn, spun by an expert; the precious stones with names engraved on them, mounted in a gold setting by a jeweller, placed on the breastpiece to remind the Lord of the twelve tribes of Israel.

12. He gave him the turban with the gold ornament engraved with the words “Dedicated to the Lord.” It was expertly crafted, a beautiful work of art, and it was a high honour to wear it.

13. Before Aaron's time such beautiful things were never seen. No one but Aaron and his descendants ever wore them, or ever will.

14. The grain offering is to be presented twice a day and burnt completely.

15. Moses ordained Aaron to office by pouring the sacred anointing oil over his head. An eternal covenant was made with him and his descendants, that they would serve the Lord as his priests and bless the people in the Lord's name.

16. The Lord chose Aaron out of the whole human race to offer sacrifices, to burn fragrant incense to remind the Lord of his people, and to take away their sins.

17. He entrusted the commandments to Aaron's keeping and gave him the authority to make legal decisions and to teach Israel the Law.

18. Once, while the people were in the wilderness, an angry group of jealous outsiders conspired against Moses. These were Dathan, Abiram, and Korah with their supporters.

Read complete chapter Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 45