1 It was Simon, the son of Onias, the great priest, Who in his life repaired the house, And in his days strengthened the temple:
2 And by him was built from the foundation the height of the double wall, The lofty underworks of the inclosure of the temple:
3 In his days the cistern of waters was diminished, The brazen vessel in compass as the sea.
4 It was he that took thought for his people that they should not fall, And fortified the city against besieging:
5 How glorious was he when the people gathered round him At his coming forth out of the sanctuary!
6 As the morning star in the midst of a cloud, As the moon at the full:
7 As the sun shining forth upon the temple of the Most High, And as the rainbow giving light in clouds of glory: