Sirach 49

Good News Translation

Josiah

49 ^(A)The memory of Josiah is as sweet as the fragrance of expertly blended incense, sweet as honey to the taste,^[a] like music with wine at a banquet. ² He followed the correct policy of reforming the nation and removed the horrors of idolatry. ³ He was completely loyal to the Lord and strengthened true religion in those wicked times.

Jeremiah

⁴ All the kings, except David, Hezekiah, and Josiah, were terrible sinners, because they abandoned the Law of the Most High to the very end of the kingdom.^{[b] 5} They surrendered their power and honor to foreigners, ^6 (B)who set fire to the holy city and left its streets deserted, just as Jeremiah had predicted. ⁷ Jeremiah had been badly treated, even though he was chosen as a prophet before he was born,

Ezekiel

^8 (C)It was Ezekiel who was shown the vision of the divine glory over the chariot and the living creatures. ⁹ He also referred to the prophet Job, who always did the right thing.^[c]

The Twelve Prophets

¹⁰ May the bones of the twelve prophets rise to new life, because these men encouraged the people of Israel and saved them with confident hope.

Zerubbabel and Joshua

^11 (D)How can we praise Zerubbabel? He was like a signet ring on the Lord's right hand, ^12 (E)as was Joshua son of Jehozadak. They rebuilt the Lord's holy Temple, destined for eternal fame.

Nehemiah

^13 (F)The memory of Nehemiah is also great. He rebuilt the ruined walls of Jerusalem, installing the gates and bars. He rebuilt our homes.

The Patriarchs

¹⁴ No one else like Enoch has ever walked the face of the earth, for he was taken up from the earth. ¹⁵ No one else like Joseph has ever been born;^[d] even his bones were honored.^{[e] 16} Shem, Seth, and Enosh^[f] were highly honored, but Adam's glory was above that of any other living being.