In Praise Of Ancestors

 "Let us now glorify illustrious men, the ancestors of our people.

... others are not remembered and have disappeared as if they never existed.  It is the same for their children.

But now consider the godly men whose good deeds have not been forgotten.  Those who came after them benefited from the rich legacy they left; their race remained faithful to the Covenant, their children followed their example.  Their family will endure forever and never will its glory be tarnished. - Sirach 44:1. 9-13 

(After the hymn to GOD whose glory is revealed through HIS creation, the author will present to us GOD's work in HIS chosen people, Israel.

In his poem of praise of the ancestors, we have a glimpse of all the famous people of Israel: kings, liberators, prophets, sages, poets.  The author notes that there are many courageous and just people who died and whose deeds and virtues will not be recorded after them.  He knows that even if all the descendants of a famous man disappear, as in the case of Moses, the people of Israel hold on to the promises of eternity.  In this book there is still no sign of faith in a resurrection of persons [except possibly in 48:11 and all hope is fixed on the future of the chosen people].)

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