Who heard rebuke at Sinai and judgments of vengeance at Horeb: Sinai and Horeb are two names for the same mountain. Translators should follow Good News Translation in using only the more familiar name, Sinai. The reference is to 1 Kgs 19.4-18, where Elijah is rebuked for his lack of faith, and where God condemns the prophets of Baal. Good News Translation makes it clear that the rebuke is directed toward Elijah, and the judgments of vengeance against the Lord’s enemies. In languages that require direct speech, a possible model for this verse is:

• The Lord rebuked you at Mount Sinai and announced, “I am determined to punish my enemies.”

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.