Joshua the son of Nun was mighty in war, and was the successor of Moses in prophesying: The successor of Moses in prophesying means that Joshua was “the next of the prophets after Moses” (Good News Translation). For prophet see the comments on the first paragraph of the Prologue.

He became, in accordance with his name, a great savior of God’s elect: Good News Translation has “He lived up to the meaning of his name as the great deliverer of the Lord’s chosen people.” The name Joshua means “the Lord saves,” so Joshua, by saving Israel from its enemies, carried out the meaning of his name. Good News Translation has a footnote on the name Joshua, explaining its meaning. However, it is also possible to include the meaning of the name in the translation of this line as follows: “His name means ‘The Lord rescues,’ and Joshua became great by rescuing the Lord’s chosen people when he defeated their enemies.” God’s elect refers to the Israelites, “the Lord’s chosen people” (Good News Translation). God’s elect is literally “his elect,” but Revised Standard Version spells out the pronoun for clarity. It would be better to say “the Lord’s elect” since ben Sira prefers “the Lord” rather than “God”.

To take vengeance on the enemies that rose against them: Good News Translation begins a new sentence here, which some translators will find helpful. To say that Joshua “defeated” (Good News Translation) the enemy is only a slight shift of focus from take vengeance on or “take reprisals on” (New English Bible), and many translators will find it easier.

So that he might give Israel its inheritance: This says that Joshua, by defeating Israel’s enemies, allowed Israel to take possession of the land that the Lord had promised them. Good News Translation‘s translation is good here, although it removes Joshua as the agent. We could say instead, “making it possible for Israel to claim [or, take possession of] its land.”

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.