Sirach 43:1-12
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1 The pride of the height, the clear firmament, the beauty of heaven, with his glorious shew;
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2 The sun when it appeareth, declaring at his rising a marvellous instrument, the work of the most High:
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3 At noon it parcheth the country, and who can abide the burning heat thereof?
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4 A man blowing a furnace is in works of heat, but the sun burneth the mountains three times more; breathing out fiery vapours, and sending forth bright beams, it dimmeth the eyes.
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5 Great is the Lord that made it; and at his commandment runneth hastily.
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6 He made the moon also to serve in her season for a declaration of times, and a sign of the world.
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7 From the moon is the sign of feasts, a light that decreaseth in her perfection.
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8 The month is called after her name, increasing wonderfully in her changing, being an instrument of the armies above, shining in the firmament of heaven;
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9 The beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an ornament giving light in the highest places of the Lord.
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10 At the commandment of the Holy One they will stand in their order, and never faint in their watches.
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11 Look upon the rainbow, and praise him that made it; very beautiful it is in the brightness thereof.
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12 It compasseth the heaven about with a glorious circle, and the hands of the most High have bended it.