Sirach 36:11, "Gather all the tribes of Jacob together, And take them for your inheritance, as from the beginning," is a plea for God to restore Israel to its former glory and reclaim them as His chosen people. Let's break down its meaning:
"Gather all the tribes of Jacob together": This is a prayer for the reunification of the scattered tribes of Israel. Historically, the kingdom of Israel had split into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). Both kingdoms were conquered and exiled, leading to the dispersion of the Israelite people. This line expresses a desire for the restoration of their national unity.
"And take them for your inheritance": This emphasizes the special relationship between God and Israel. They are God's chosen people, His "inheritance," a possession that He values and protects. It's a reminder of the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants, promising them the land of Canaan and a special place in His plan.
"as from the beginning": This invokes a return to the ideal state of Israel's relationship with God, similar to the time of David and Solomon when Israel was united, strong, and faithful to God. It is a longing for a return to that period of divine favor, righteousness, and prosperity.
In summary, the verse is a prayer for the restoration of a united and faithful Israel, reclaimed by God as His chosen people and returned to their former glory. It echoes the themes of exile, repentance, and hope that are prevalent in Jewish literature, expressing a longing for God's intervention and the fulfillment of His promises to the Jewish people.
Sirach 36:11, "Gather all the tribes of Jacob together, And take them for your inheritance, as from the beginning," is a plea for God to restore Israel to its former glory and reclaim them as His chosen people. Let's break down its meaning:
"Gather all the tribes of Jacob together": This is a prayer for the reunification of the scattered tribes of Israel. Historically, the kingdom of Israel had split into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). Both kingdoms were conquered and exiled, leading to the dispersion of the Israelite people. This line expresses a desire for the restoration of their national unity.
"And take them for your inheritance": This emphasizes the special relationship between God and Israel. They are God's chosen people, His "inheritance," a possession that He values and protects. It's a reminder of the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants, promising them the land of Canaan and a special place in His plan.
"as from the beginning": This invokes a return to the ideal state of Israel's relationship with God, similar to the time of David and Solomon when Israel was united, strong, and faithful to God. It is a longing for a return to that period of divine favor, righteousness, and prosperity.
In summary, the verse is a prayer for the restoration of a united and faithful Israel, reclaimed by God as His chosen people and returned to their former glory. It echoes the themes of exile, repentance, and hope that are prevalent in Jewish literature, expressing a longing for God's intervention and the fulfillment of His promises to the Jewish people.