Praise of Israel’s Ancestors

1 Let us now praise famous men, our ancestors in their generations.⁠a 2 The Lord created great glory in them, his mighty power from the beginning. 3 Some ruled in their kingdoms and were men renowned for their power, giving advice by their understanding. Some have spoken in prophecies, 4 leaders of the people by their advice, and by their understanding, giving instruction for the people. Their words in their instruction were wise. 5 Some composed musical tunes, and put verses in writing, 6 rich men endowed with ability, living peacefully in their homes. 7 All these were honored in their generations, and were outstanding in their days.

8 Some of them have left a name behind them, so that others declare their praises. 9 But of others, there is no memory. They died as though they had never existed. They become as though they had not been born, they and their children after them. 10 But these were merciful men, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten. 11 A good inheritance remains with their offspring. Their children are within the covenant. 12 Their offspring stand firm, with their children, for their sakes. 13 Their offspring will remain forever. Their glory won’t be blotted out. 14 Their bodies were buried in peace. Their name lives for all generations. 15 People will declare their wisdom. The congregation proclaims their praise.

Enoch and Noah

16 Enoch pleased the Lord, and was taken up, an example of repentance to all generations.⁠b 17 Noah was found perfect and righteous. In the time of anger, he kept the race alive. Therefore a remnant was left on the earth when the flood came. 18 Everlasting covenants were made with him, so that all flesh would never again be blotted out by a flood.

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

19 Abraham was a great father of a multitude of nations. No one was found like him in glory.⁠c 20 He kept the law of the Most High,⁠d and was taken into covenant with him. In his flesh he established the covenant. When he was tested, he was found faithful. 21 Therefore he assured him by an oath that the nations would be blessed through his offspring, that he would multiply him like the dust of the earth, exalt his offspring like the stars, and cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the farthest parts of the earth. 22 He also established the same assurance in Isaac for the sake of his father Abraham, the blessing of all men, and the covenant. 23 He made it rest on the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his blessings, gave him an inheritance, and divided his portions. He distributed them among twelve tribes. He brought from him a merciful man, who found favor in the sight of all people,