Font Size
Wisdom of Ben Sira 45:22-24
New Catholic Bible
Wisdom of Ben Sira 45:22-24
New Catholic Bible
22 However, he has no inheritance in the land of the people;
he has no portion among them;
for the Lord himself is his portion and inheritance
in the midst of the Israelites.
Phinehas, Champion of God’s Rights[a]
23 Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, ranks third in glory
because of his zeal in the fear of the Lord,
and for standing firm with noble courage of soul
when the people refused to obey;
and by so doing he made expiation for Israel.
24 Therefore, a covenant of friendship was established with him,
conferring on him the right to be in charge of the sanctuary and of the people,
so that he and his descendants should have
the dignity of the high priesthood forever.
Footnotes
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 45:23 Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, is a secondary figure in the most ancient accounts (Num 25). Here, his role is highlighted to show the superiority of the priesthood over the royalty (v. 25) and to give a better understanding of the legitimacy of the priesthood of Jerusalem in a time when usurpers are no longer far removed.
