Sirach 45:20 - And he added glory to Aaron, And gave him a heritage: He divided to him the first fruits of the increase; And first did he prepare bread in abundance:
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What does "Sirach 45:20" mean?
Sirach 45:20 is praising God's favor upon Aaron, the brother of Moses, and the founder of the Israelite priesthood. Let's break down the verse phrase by phrase:
"And he added glory to Aaron,": This refers to God's special honor and distinction bestowed upon Aaron. This glory likely refers to the sacred garments he wore as High Priest (described in detail earlier in Sirach 45) and the authority he held as the mediator between God and the people.
"And gave him a heritage:": This means Aaron and his descendants were given a special inheritance, a privileged position within Israel. This inheritance was the priestly role. They would serve in the tabernacle/temple and minister to God. They did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel.
"He divided to him the first fruits of the increase;": The "first fruits" refer to the first and best of the crops, livestock, and other produce of the land. The Israelites were required to offer these first fruits to God, and a portion of them was given to the priests as their sustenance. This ensured the priests were provided for and could devote themselves to their religious duties. In essence, the best of what the land produced was given to Aaron's lineage.
"And first did he prepare bread in abundance:": This phrase is a bit more figurative and can be interpreted in a few ways.
It could refer to the fact that the priests, especially the High Priest, were responsible for preparing the sacred bread (the "showbread" or "bread of the Presence") that was placed before God in the sanctuary. This bread was a symbol of God's provision and communion with his people.
Alternatively, "bread in abundance" could symbolize the spiritual nourishment that the priests provided to the people through their teaching and ministry. The priests were responsible for instructing the people in the Law and guiding them in their relationship with God.
In summary, the verse highlights the following:
God's special favor: God chose and honored Aaron with a unique role.
Priesthood as inheritance: Aaron and his descendants were given the priestly duties as their lasting inheritance.
Provision for the priests: The priests were provided for through the offering of first fruits.
Spiritual nourishment: The priests provided both literal (showbread) and figurative (teaching and guidance) "bread" for the people, fostering their relationship with God.
The verse is a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of the priesthood in ancient Israel. It also underscores the idea that those who serve God should be provided for and respected.
Sirach 45:20 - And he added glory to Aaron, And gave him a heritage: He divided to him the first fruits of the increase; And first did he prepare bread in abundance:
What does "Sirach 45:20" mean?
Sirach 45:20 is praising God's favor upon Aaron, the brother of Moses, and the founder of the Israelite priesthood. Let's break down the verse phrase by phrase:
"And he added glory to Aaron,": This refers to God's special honor and distinction bestowed upon Aaron. This glory likely refers to the sacred garments he wore as High Priest (described in detail earlier in Sirach 45) and the authority he held as the mediator between God and the people.
"And gave him a heritage:": This means Aaron and his descendants were given a special inheritance, a privileged position within Israel. This inheritance was the priestly role. They would serve in the tabernacle/temple and minister to God. They did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel.
"He divided to him the first fruits of the increase;": The "first fruits" refer to the first and best of the crops, livestock, and other produce of the land. The Israelites were required to offer these first fruits to God, and a portion of them was given to the priests as their sustenance. This ensured the priests were provided for and could devote themselves to their religious duties. In essence, the best of what the land produced was given to Aaron's lineage.
"And first did he prepare bread in abundance:": This phrase is a bit more figurative and can be interpreted in a few ways.
It could refer to the fact that the priests, especially the High Priest, were responsible for preparing the sacred bread (the "showbread" or "bread of the Presence") that was placed before God in the sanctuary. This bread was a symbol of God's provision and communion with his people.
Alternatively, "bread in abundance" could symbolize the spiritual nourishment that the priests provided to the people through their teaching and ministry. The priests were responsible for instructing the people in the Law and guiding them in their relationship with God.
In summary, the verse highlights the following:
God's special favor: God chose and honored Aaron with a unique role.
Priesthood as inheritance: Aaron and his descendants were given the priestly duties as their lasting inheritance.
Provision for the priests: The priests were provided for through the offering of first fruits.
Spiritual nourishment: The priests provided both literal (showbread) and figurative (teaching and guidance) "bread" for the people, fostering their relationship with God.
The verse is a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of the priesthood in ancient Israel. It also underscores the idea that those who serve God should be provided for and respected.