They will rejoice in his commands: The instruments of punishment (verses 28-30) are spoken of here as if they were persons, God’s servants. Here is a possible model: “These things are all glad to obey the Lord’s command” (similarly Good News Translation).

And be made ready on earth for their service is rendered “and are ready to serve him here on earth” by Good News Translation.

And when their times come they will not transgress his word may be translated “When their times of duty come, they never disobey” (Good News Translation), or even “When the time comes for them to serve him, they always obey.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Sirach. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.