Simon II (High Priest)

Simon II was a High Priest of Israel during the Second Temple period. He was the son of Onias II, and was probably succeeded by Onias III. There are two main sources that discuss Simon II: the Book of Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus) and possibly 3 Maccabees. Quotes about How glorious he was, with the people thronging around him, | as he emerged from behind the veil of the sanctuary. | He was like the morning star shining among the clouds, | like the full moon at the festal season, | like the sun shining on the temple of the Most High, | like the rainbow appearing in a cloudy sky, | like a rose in springtime, | like a lily by a spring of water, | like a green shoot on Lebanon on a summer’s day, | like incense set afire in the censer, | like a vessel of beaten gold | embellished with every kind of precious stone, | like an olive tree laden with fruit, | like a cypress reaching to the clouds. Book of Sirach 50:5-10 NCB. When he put on his magnificent robes | and clothed himself in his garments of splendor, | as he went up to the holy altar, | he brought majestic glory to the court of the sanctuary. Book of Sirach 50:11 NCB. It was the high priest Simon, son of Onias, | in whose lifetime the house was repaired | and in whose days the temple was fortified. | He also laid the foundations for the high double walls | that enclosed the temple precincts. Book of Sirach 50:1-2 NKJV. External links Category:BCE births Category:BCE deaths Category:People from the Bible Category:High priests of Israel