Sirach 50:1-16: a reflection

1It was Simon, the son of Onias, the high priest, who in his life repaired the house, and in his days strengthened the temple. 2The foundation was built by him to the height of the double walls, the lofty retaining walls of the temple enclosure. 3In his days, a water cistern was dug, the brazen vessel like the sea in circumference. 4He planned to save his people from ruin, and fortified the city against siege. 5How glorious he was when the people gathered around him as he came out of the house of the veil! 6He was like the morning star among clouds, like the full moon, 7like the sun shining on the temple of the Most High, like the rainbow shining in clouds of glory, 8like roses in the days of first fruits, like lilies by a water spring, like the shoot of the frankincense tree in summer time, 9like fire and incense in the censer, like a vessel of beaten gold adorned with all kinds of precious stones, 10like an olive tree loaded with fruit, and like a cypress growing high among the clouds. 11When he put on his glorious robe, and clothed himself in perfect splendor, ascending to the holy altar, he made the court of the sanctuary glorious. 12When he received the portions out of the priests’ hands, as he stood by the hearth of the altar, with his kindred like a garland around him, he was like a young cedar in Lebanon surrounded by the trunks of palm trees. 13All the sons of Aaron in their glory, held the Lord’s offering in their hands before all the congregation of Israel. 14Finishing the service at the altars, that he might arrange the offering of the Most High, the Almighty, 15he stretched out his hand to the cup of libation, and poured out the cup of the grape. He poured it out at the foot of the altar, a sweet smelling fragrance to the Most High, the King of all. 16Then the sons of Aaron shouted. They sounded the trumpets of beaten work. They made a great fanfare to be heard, for a reminder before the Most High.

This passage paints a glowing portrait of the high priest Simon as he ministered before God, coming out from the sanctuary in his robes, offering the sacrifices, the whole congregation gathered around him. He is compared to the morning star, the full moon, the sun shining on the temple, a scene of glory and beauty as the priest represented the people before God and led them in worship. All the splendor of the priesthood is on display in this one figure ministering at the altar.

Notice the role at the heart of all this glory: the high priest representing the people before God. He stood between the people and God, offering the sacrifices on their behalf, leading their worship, bearing their cause into God's presence. The splendor described here surrounded that ministry of representation, the priest going in to God for the people. And all such priesthood, glorious as it was, pointed beyond itself to something greater.

For the New Testament tells us that all this priesthood foreshadowed Christ, our great High Priest, who represents us before God, not with the blood of animals, but with his own sacrifice, and who lives forever to intercede for us. The glory of the ancient high priest, splendid as it was, was a shadow; the reality is Christ, who has entered God's presence on our behalf. When you feel unable to approach God on your own, remember that you have a great High Priest, Christ, who represents you before God, who has offered the sacrifice that avails, and who ever lives to intercede for you. Draw near to God through him, your High Priest, and rest in the ministry he carries out on your behalf before the Father.

Lord, this passage describes the glory of the high priest ministering before you, representing the people, offering the sacrifices, leading their worship. Thank you that all such priesthood pointed beyond itself to Christ, our great High Priest, who represents us before you, not with the blood of animals, but with his own sacrifice, and who lives forever to intercede for us. The glory of the ancient high priest was a shadow; the reality is Christ, who has entered your presence on our behalf. When I feel unable to approach you on my own, remind me that I have a great High Priest, Christ, who represents me before you, who has offered the sacrifice that avails, and who ever lives to intercede for me. Help me draw near to you through him, and rest in the ministry he carries out on my behalf before you. Thank you for so great a High Priest.