49:1 The name JOSIAH is like blended incense, made lasting by a skilled perfumer. Precious is his memory, like honey to the taste, like music at a banquet.
49:2 For he grieved over our betrayals, and destroyed the abominable idols.
49:3 He turned to God with his whole heart, and, though times were evil, he practiced virtue.
49:4 Except for David, Hezekiah and Josiah, they all were wicked; They abandoned the Law of the Most High, these kings of Judah, right to the very end.
49:5 So he gave over their power to others, their glory to a foolish foreign nation
49:6 Who burned the holy city and left its streets desolate, As JEREMIAH had foretold;
49:7 for they had treated him badly who even in the womb had been made a prophet, To root out, pull down, and destroy, and then to build and to plant.
49:8 EZEKIEL beheld the vision and described the different creatures of the chariot;
49:9 He also referred to JOB, who always persevered in the right path.
49:10 Then, too, the TWELVE PROPHETS ? may their bones return to life from their resting place! ? Gave new strength to Jacob and saved him by their faith and hope.
49:11 How can we fittingly praise ZERUBBABEL, who was like a signet ring on God’s right hand,
49:12 And Jeshua, Jozadak’s son? In their time they built the house of God; They erected the holy temple, destined for everlasting glory.
49:13 Extolled be the memory of NEHEMIAH! He rebuilt our ruined walls, Restored our shattered defenses, and set up gates and bars.
49:14 Few on earth have been made the equal of ENOCH, for he was taken up bodily.
49:15 Was ever a man born like JOSEPH? Even his dead body was provided for.
49:16 Glorious, too, were SHEM and SETH and ENOS; but beyond that of any living being was the splendor of ADAM.