Sirach 46:19 - Also before the time of his long sleep He made protestations in the sight of the lord and his anointed, I have not taken any man’s goods, so much as a shoe: And no man did accuse him.

Generated Verse: Sirach 46:19

What does "Sirach 46:19" mean?


This verse from Sirach 46:19 refers to the actions of the prophet Samuel near the end of his life, before his "long sleep" (meaning his death). It describes him publicly declaring his integrity and ethical conduct while serving as a leader and judge in Israel. Let's break it down:

"Also before the time of his long sleep": This sets the scene, indicating that Samuel made this declaration close to his death. It emphasizes that he wanted to clear his name before passing away.

"He made protestations in the sight of the Lord and his anointed": This highlights the public and solemn nature of his declaration. "The Lord" refers to God, and "his anointed" refers to the king, likely Saul at the time. By making this declaration before these figures, Samuel demonstrated the seriousness of his claims. He wanted God, the current king, and the people of Israel to witness his integrity.

"I have not taken any man’s goods, so much as a shoe": This is the core of Samuel's declaration. He asserts that he has never been corrupt or taken advantage of his position for personal gain. He uses the example of a "shoe" (a small and seemingly insignificant item) to emphasize that he hasn't taken anything, not even the smallest thing, from anyone. This imagery underscores his commitment to honesty and justice.

"And no man did accuse him": This confirms the truthfulness of Samuel's statement. No one came forward to contradict his claim or accuse him of wrongdoing. This silence validates his integrity and reinforces his reputation as an honest and upright leader.

In Summary:

The verse portrays Samuel, near the end of his life, making a public declaration of his integrity before God, the king, and the people of Israel. He proclaims that he has never used his position for personal gain, not even to take something as small as a shoe from anyone. The fact that no one accuses him further solidifies his reputation as an honest and just leader. The verse is a testament to Samuel's virtuous character and serves as an example of ethical leadership.

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