Sirach 35 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Sirach 35

The Book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, was written by a Jewish scribe named Jesus ben Sira around 200-175 BC. He was a wise teacher who sought to provide guidance and instruction to his fellow Jews during a time of political and religious upheaval. Sirach emphasizes the importance of righteous living and the rewards that come from honoring God in this chapter. He speaks of the power of prayer, the need for generosity, and the consequences of oppressing the poor. These themes echo the teachings found throughout the Scriptures, from the Psalms to the Prophets. We will continue to be challenged and inspired by Sirach’s words to live with integrity, compassion, and a deep reverence for the Almighty as we delve into this passage. His insights offer a timeless wisdom that can help us navigate the complexities of our own lives and strengthen our relationship with the God who sees all and judges with perfect justice.

Sirach 35:1-3

Sure, let’s break down and reflect on Sirach 35:1-3:

Verse 1 says: “He who keeps the law makes many offerings; he who heeds the commandments sacrifices a peace offering.”
Here, the author highlights the importance of obeying the law and commandments of God. Various sacrifices were offered in the Old Testament as part of religious rituals to seek forgiveness, atonement, or gratitude towards God. However, Sirach emphasizes that obedience to God’s instructions is more significant than outward rituals. A person makes a spiritual offering by following God’s commandments. This idea is also reflected in the New Testament in Matthew 9:13 when Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, saying, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

Verse 2 continues: “He who returns a kindness offers fine flour, and he who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering. The focus shifts to acts of kindness and generosity towards others in this verse. Sirach teaches that being charitable and showing kindness to others is a form of worship. These deeds are considered offerings to God, just as people offered fine flour and alms as sacrifices in the Old Testament. This aligns with Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament in Matthew 25:40 when he says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Finally, verse 3 states: “To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord, and to forsake unrighteousness is an atonement.”
This verse underscores the importance of living a life free from sin and wrongdoing. One makes amends and seeks reconciliation with God by turning away from wickedness and choosing righteousness. The concept of atonement for sin runs throughout the Bible, from the sacrifices in the Old Testament to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus in the New Testament. Psalm 34:14 echoes this sentiment, saying, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Sirach 35:1-3 emphasizes the essence of true worship and righteousness in the eyes of God. It teaches that obedience to God’s laws, acts of kindness, and a commitment to living a righteous life are more valuable offerings than mere outward rituals. These verses remind believers of the importance of their actions and attitudes towards God and others, calling them to a deeper, more authentic faith that goes beyond religious practices to truly honor and glorify God.

Sirach 35:4-7

Verses 4-7 of Sirach 35 read: “To keep the law is a great oblation, and he that observeth the commandments sacrificeth a peace offering. One offers fine flour in works of charity, and presents his offering of praise when he gives alms. To refrain from evil pleases the Lord, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. These verses emphasize the importance of observing God’s commandments and living a righteous life. The idea of keeping the law as a great oblation signifies the significance of obedience and adherence to God’s laws in the Jewish faith. Through the observance of the commandments, one not only fulfills their duty to God but also engages in a spiritual act of sacrifice, akin to offering a peace offering in the Old Testament sacrificial system. This underscores the concept that obedience to God is an act of worship and a way to show devotion to Him.

The mention of works of charity and almsgiving as offerings of praise highlights the value of benevolence and compassion in the eyes of God. Acts of charity and kindness are viewed as pleasing offerings to God, just as the Israelites were instructed to offer fine flour and sacrifices in the temple. This echoes the biblical concept of caring for the poor and needy, as seen in verses like Psalm 41:1 which states, “Blessed is the one who considers the poor! The Lord delivers him in the day of trouble.”

Furthermore, the notion that refraining from evil and avoiding injustice pleases the Lord echoes the prophetic message woven throughout the Bible. The call to live a life of righteousness and integrity is a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testaments. Proverbs 15:8 affirms this by stating, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.” This reinforces the idea that true worship is not just in rituals but also in a life lived in accordance with God’s will, marked by love, justice, and compassion. These verses from Sirach serve as a reminder of the holistic nature of worship and devotion to God. It encompasses following His commandments, practicing charity and kindness, and upholding righteousness and justice. The passage underscores that our relationship with God is manifested not only in rituals but also in our everyday actions and interactions with others by intertwining these elements.

Sirach 35:8-10

The passage in Sirach 35:8-10 can be broken down into three important sections: the offering of sacrifices, acts of charity towards the poor, and praying with a sincere heart. Each section carries deep significance in the context of Sirach 35 and the broader themes of the Bible.

The first section focuses on the offering of sacrifices. Sacrifices were a central aspect of Israelite worship in the Old Testament. They were seen as a way to seek favor from God, express gratitude, and seek forgiveness for sins. The act of sacrificing animals was a tangible way for individuals to show their devotion and commitment to God. However, Sirach emphasizes that God does not show partiality based on the size or value of the offering. Instead, what matters to God is the sincerity and intent of the giver. This echoes the sentiment found in other parts of the Bible, such as 1 Samuel 16:7 which states, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

The next section highlights acts of charity towards the poor. The Bible is full of teachings about caring for the marginalized and vulnerable in society. The Book of Sirach stresses the importance of generosity towards those in need. It suggests that showing kindness to the poor is like offering a sacrifice to God. This concept is strongly evident in other biblical verses, such as Proverbs 19:17 which reads, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. Sirach emphasizes the importance of practicing compassion and empathy in our daily lives by highlighting the significance of aiding the less fortunate.

Praying with a sincere heart is the final section of this passage. Sirach emphasizes that a prayer offered with a humble heart reaches the ears of God. This underscores the importance of maintaining a genuine relationship with God through prayer. Throughout the Bible, prayer is depicted as a powerful means of communication with God. Jesus himself emphasized the importance of sincerity in prayer in Matthew 6:5-6, where he warns against praying in a hypocritical manner. Instead, he encourages believers to pray in private, with a sincere and humble heart. This connection between prayer and sincerity underscores the idea that true devotion to God comes from within, rather than through outward displays of religiosity. Sirach 35:8-10 reminds us of the timeless messages found in the Bible regarding worship, charity, and prayer. The passage emphasizes the importance of sincerity and intent in our relationship with God, rather than mere external actions. Focusing on the heart behind our sacrifices, acts of charity, and prayers encourages us to deepen our spiritual connection with God and live out the principles of love, compassion, and devotion exemplified throughout the Scriptures.

Sirach 35:11-13

The verse in Sirach 35:11-13 is divided into three key sections. Let’s break it down section by section:

1. “Take not pleasure in the unrighteous sacrifices; for the Lord is Judge, and with him is no respect of persons.”
   This verse emphasizes the importance of sincerity and righteousness in one’s actions and worship. It cautions against offering sacrifices or acts of worship with impure motives or a lack of genuine faith. The Lord is portrayed as a just and impartial Judge who sees beyond outward appearances and rituals to the heart of the worshipper. This echoes the sentiment found in other biblical passages such as 1 Samuel 16:7, where God tells Samuel, “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

2. “The Lord will not accept any person against a poor man, and he will hear the prayer of the oppressed.”
   This section underscores God’s concern for justice and His special care for the poor and oppressed. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s heart for the marginalized and disadvantaged. For instance, in Psalm 140:12, it states, “I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” This principle is also echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus frequently interacts with and advocates for the marginalized in society.

3. “He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless; nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.”
   The final part of the verse highlights God’s compassion for the fatherless and widows, who were considered among the most vulnerable in ancient societies. Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly commands His people to care for and defend the cause of orphans and widows. James 1:27 states that “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”” This verse serves as a reminder that God’s heart is tender towards those who are often overlooked or mistreated by society. Sirach 35:11-13 conveys timeless truths about the character of God and His expectations for His people. It emphasizes the importance of genuine worship, justice, and compassion for the vulnerable in society. We, as believers, are called to mirror God’s heart for righteousness and care for those in need, reflecting His love and mercy in our actions towards others.

Sirach 35:14-17

The verse in Sirach 35:14-17 can be broken down into several important sections. “He will not ignore the supplication of the orphan, or the widow when she pours out her complaint.”
This section sheds light on God’s compassion and mercy towards the most vulnerable in society. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s heart for the widows and orphans, advocating for their needs and providing for them. The Old Testament often mentioned widows and orphans as examples of those deserving justice and care. One of the key themes in the Bible is the call to care for the marginalized and disadvantaged, which is perfectly reflected in this verse from Sirach.

1. “Do not the tears of the widow run down her cheek as she cries out against the one who causes them to fall?”
   This passage emphasizes the emotional pain and injustice experienced by widows, who are often left defenseless and in need of support. It prompts us to reflect on our duty not only to provide material help but also to offer emotional support and empathy to those who are suffering. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God commands His people to look after widows and orphans, such as in Exodus 22:22-24 and James 1:27.

2. “The one whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted, and his prayer will reach to the clouds.”
   This section highlights the importance of living a righteous life and serving the Lord faithfully. It reinforces the idea that God hears the prayers of the righteous and responds to them. This echoes verses like Psalm 34:15, which says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry.” It serves as a reminder that our actions and attitudes towards others have a direct impact on our relationship with God and the efficacy of our prayers.

3. “The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and it will not rest until it reaches its goal; it will not desist until the Most High responds and does justice for the righteous and executes judgment.”
   This final section underscores the power of persistent prayer and the faith of the humble in trusting that God will ultimately bring justice and righteousness. It encourages believers to continue praying fervently and believing in God’s faithfulness to act on behalf of the righteous. The Bible is full of examples of individuals persisting in prayer and seeing God’s intervention, such as the story of Elijah praying for rain in James 5:17-18. Sirach 35:14-17 conveys timeless messages about God’s compassion for the vulnerable, the importance of serving the Lord faithfully, the efficacy of righteous prayer, and the power of persistent prayer. It aligns with the broader themes of justice, righteousness, and faithfulness that are woven throughout the Bible, reminding us of God’s care for the marginalized and the significance of our actions and prayers in His sight.

Sirach 35:18-19

Two important sections emerge in Sirach 35:18-19 that provide profound insight into prayer, justice, and humility. The first section, “The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and it will not rest until it reaches its goal; it will not desist until the Most High responds,” speaks to the power of prayer when offered with a humble heart. This verse highlights the significance of humility in prayer, emphasizing that God hears the cries of the humble and is attentive to their petitions. The imagery of prayer piercing the clouds conveys the idea that sincere prayers offered with humility have the ability to transcend earthly barriers and reach the divine realm.

This message resonates with the broader biblical theme of the importance of humility in one’s relationship with God. Throughout the Bible, numerous examples illustrate the value of humility before God. Jesus often extolled the virtues of humility in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 18:4 when he said, “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”” This emphasis on humility underscores the idea that true greatness lies in recognizing one’s dependence on God and approaching Him with a contrite spirit.

The second part of the passage, “And the Lord will not delay, but like a warrior, will not be patient until he crushes the loins of the merciless and repays vengeance on the nations,” conveys the idea that God is just and will ultimately bring justice to the oppressed. This imagery of God as a warrior highlights His power and authority in executing justice. It serves as a reminder that God is not indifferent to the injustices that occur in the world but will ultimately right all wrongs and bring about justice.

This message of divine justice aligns with numerous biblical narratives where God intervenes on behalf of the oppressed and punishes the oppressors. For example, in the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, God’s intervention on behalf of the Israelites against the oppressive Pharaoh demonstrates His commitment to justice and deliverance. Exodus 3:7-8 illustrates God’s concern for the suffering of His people, stating, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. Sirach 35:18-19 weaves together poignant imagery and messages that offer powerful insights into the themes of prayer, humility, and justice, resonating across the biblical narrative. It emphasizes the importance of approaching God with humility in prayer, trusting in His responsiveness, and underscores His role as a just and mighty warrior who will ultimately bring justice to the oppressed. This passage serves as a poignant reminder of God’s faithfulness in hearing the cries of His people and His commitment to bringing about justice in a world plagued by injustice.

After Sirach 35

The widow’s offering was a testament to her unwavering faith. Though her gift was small, it was given with a pure heart, and the Lord saw the sincerity of her sacrifice. We must remember that it is not the size of our offering that matters, but the spirit in which we give as we move forward. For the Lord looks not upon the outward appearance, but upon the heart. Let us strive to give of ourselves, no matter how little we may have, for in doing so, we honor the Almighty and bring glory to His name.