Sirach 48:7 - Who heard rebuke in Sinai, And judgements of vengeance in Horeb:

Generated Verse: Sirach 48:7

What does "Sirach 48:7" mean?


Sirach 48:7, referring to the prophet Elijah, states: "Who heard rebuke in Sinai, And judgments of vengeance in Horeb:"

Let's break down what this means:

"Who heard rebuke in Sinai": Sinai is the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments and where God established his covenant with Israel. "Rebuke" here implies a strong correction or reprimand. Elijah, like Moses, was a prophet who stood against the people when they strayed from God's law. While not physically present at Sinai, Elijah embodied the spirit of God's law and the warnings against disobedience. He understood and upheld the covenant established at Sinai.

"And judgments of vengeance in Horeb": Horeb is often considered another name for Mount Sinai, or a mountain range including it (as it is elsewhere in the Old Testament). "Judgments of vengeance" refer to the punishments or consequences that God inflicts upon those who disobey him or act unjustly. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah fled to Horeb seeking refuge after facing threats from Queen Jezebel. There, he had a profound encounter with God, who revealed himself not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a "still small voice." After the encounter, God commissions Elijah to anoint people to carry out his judgement. So, this phrase emphasizes Elijah's role as an instrument of God's justice.

In summary:

The verse describes Elijah as a prophet deeply connected to God's law and justice. He understood the warnings and rebukes of Sinai and acted as an instrument of God's vengeance as seen in Horeb.

He was not literally present at Sinai, but he embodied the spirit of the law given there.
Horeb represents a place of divine revelation where Elijah received his commission to enact God's judgments.

The verse highlights Elijah's strength, righteousness, and his commitment to upholding God's covenant, even when it meant bringing judgment upon the wicked.

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