Ben Sira 49:10-16

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.

11 How can we praise Zerubbabel? He was like a signet ring on the Lord's right hand, ¹

12 as was Joshua son of Jehozadak. They rebuilt the Lord's holy Temple, destined for eternal fame. ²

13 The memory of Nehemiah is also great. He rebuilt the ruined walls of Jerusalem, installing the gates and bars. He rebuilt our homes. ³

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; even his bones were honored.

16 Shem, Seth, and Enosh were highly honored, but Adam's glory was above that of any other living being.

Cross References

• 1. 49.11Ezra 3.2;Haggai 2.23.
• 2. 49.12Haggai 1.1, 12.
• 3. 49.13Nehemiah 6.15.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Greek adds] the greatest of his brothers and the pride of his people; [Hebrew and one ancient translation place these words in 50.1.]
• [b]. even . . . honored; [or] the Lord watched over his body.
• [c]. [Hebrew] Shem, Seth, and Enosh; [Greek] Shem and Seth among people.