Sirach 49
49
1The memory of Josiah is like a blending of incense
prepared by the art of the perfumer;
it is sweet as honey to every mouth,
and like music at a banquet of wine.
2He was led aright in converting the people,
and took away the abominations of iniquity.
3He set his heart upon the Lord;
in the days of wicked men he strengthened godliness.
4Except David and Hezekiah and Josiah
they all sinned greatly,
for they forsook the law of the Most High;
the kings of Judah came to an end;
5for they gave their power to others,
and their glory to a foreign nation,
6who set fire to the chosen city of the sanctuary,
and made her streets desolate,
according to the word#49.6 Gk by the hand of Jeremiah.
7For they had afflicted him;
yet he had been consecrated in the womb as prophet,
to pluck up and afflict and destroy,
and likewise to build and to plant.
8It was Ezekiel who saw the vision of glory
which God#49.8 Gk he showed him above the chariot of the cherubim.
9For God#49.9 Gk he remembered his enemies with storm,
and did good to those who directed their ways aright.#49.9 The text and meaning of this verse are uncertain
10May the bones of the twelve prophets
revive from where they lie,
for they comforted the people of Jacob
and delivered them with confident hope.
11How shall we magnify Zerubbabel?
He was like a signet on the right hand,
12and so was Jeshua the son of Jozadak;
in their days they built the house
and raised a temple#49.12 Other authorities read people holy to the Lord,
prepared for everlasting glory.
13The memory of Nehemiah also is lasting;
he raised for us the walls that had fallen,
and set up the gates and bars
and rebuilt our ruined houses.
14No one like Enoch has been created on earth,
for he was taken up from the earth.
15And no man like Joseph#49.15 Heb Syr: Greek adds the leader of his brothers, the support of the people has been born,
and his bones are cared for.
16Shem and Seth were honored among men,
and Adam above every living being in the creation.
Currently Selected:
Sirach 49: RSV-C
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America