Sirach 36:5, "And let them know you, as we also have known you, That there is no God but only you, O God," is a powerful statement of monotheism. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"And let them know you, as we also have known you..." This is a prayer or petition. The speaker is asking God to reveal Himself to others, specifically to those who don't yet know Him. Crucially, the knowledge being requested isn't merely intellectual; it's a personal, experiential knowledge akin to the knowledge that the speaker and their community already possess. They are not just hoping others believe in God, but that they experience God.
"...That there is no God but only you, O God." This is the core affirmation of monotheism. It's a direct declaration that there is only one true God. The purpose of the requested revelation ("Let them know you...") is precisely so that others will come to this very understanding and acceptance of God's unique and singular divinity. It reinforces the idea that the knowledge of God leads to the conviction that there is no other god.
In essence, the verse is a prayer that:
God reveals Himself to those who don't know Him.
This revelation leads to a personal understanding of God.
This understanding firmly establishes the belief that God is the only true God.
Context within Sirach:
Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus) is part of the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament/Apocrypha. Wisdom Literature often emphasizes practical living, morality, and the fear of God. This verse comes within a longer prayer for God to have mercy on Israel and to unite the tribes and nations to worship Him. It reflects the hope for God's universal recognition and the establishment of His reign over all peoples. The prayer is a plea for God to act in history and to make His name known among all nations.
Theological Implications:
Monotheism: The verse is a clear and unambiguous statement of monotheism, a central tenet of Judaism and Christianity (as well as Islam).
Revelation: It emphasizes the importance of divine revelation in coming to know God. It suggests that knowing God is not solely achieved through human effort or reason, but requires God's initiative.
Mission: The verse implies a desire for others to come to the knowledge of God. It suggests a missionary impulse, a desire to share the truth about God with the world.
In conclusion, Sirach 36:5 is a powerful prayer and declaration of faith, expressing the hope that all people will come to know the one true God through divine revelation. It underscores the core belief in monotheism and the desire for God's universal recognition.
Sirach 36:5, "And let them know you, as we also have known you, That there is no God but only you, O God," is a powerful statement of monotheism. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"And let them know you, as we also have known you..." This is a prayer or petition. The speaker is asking God to reveal Himself to others, specifically to those who don't yet know Him. Crucially, the knowledge being requested isn't merely intellectual; it's a personal, experiential knowledge akin to the knowledge that the speaker and their community already possess. They are not just hoping others believe in God, but that they experience God.
"...That there is no God but only you, O God." This is the core affirmation of monotheism. It's a direct declaration that there is only one true God. The purpose of the requested revelation ("Let them know you...") is precisely so that others will come to this very understanding and acceptance of God's unique and singular divinity. It reinforces the idea that the knowledge of God leads to the conviction that there is no other god.
In essence, the verse is a prayer that:
God reveals Himself to those who don't know Him.
This revelation leads to a personal understanding of God.
This understanding firmly establishes the belief that God is the only true God.
Context within Sirach:
Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus) is part of the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament/Apocrypha. Wisdom Literature often emphasizes practical living, morality, and the fear of God. This verse comes within a longer prayer for God to have mercy on Israel and to unite the tribes and nations to worship Him. It reflects the hope for God's universal recognition and the establishment of His reign over all peoples. The prayer is a plea for God to act in history and to make His name known among all nations.
Theological Implications:
Monotheism: The verse is a clear and unambiguous statement of monotheism, a central tenet of Judaism and Christianity (as well as Islam).
Revelation: It emphasizes the importance of divine revelation in coming to know God. It suggests that knowing God is not solely achieved through human effort or reason, but requires God's initiative.
Mission: The verse implies a desire for others to come to the knowledge of God. It suggests a missionary impulse, a desire to share the truth about God with the world.
In conclusion, Sirach 36:5 is a powerful prayer and declaration of faith, expressing the hope that all people will come to know the one true God through divine revelation. It underscores the core belief in monotheism and the desire for God's universal recognition.