HYMN IN HONOUR OF OUR ANCESTORSThis title is included in the Gk text.

1Let us now sing the praises of famous men,

our ancestors in their generations.

2The Lord apportioned to them44.2 Heb: Gk created great glory,

his majesty from the beginning.

3There were those who ruled in their kingdoms,

and made a name for themselves by their valour;

those who gave counsel because they were intelligent;

those who spoke in prophetic oracles;

4those who led the people by their counsels

and by their knowledge of the people's lore;

they were wise in their words of instruction;

5those who composed musical tunes,

or put verses in writing;

6rich men endowed with resources,

living peacefully in their homes—

7all these were honoured in their generations,

and were the pride of their times.

8Some of them have left behind a name,

so that others declare their praise.

9But of others there is no memory;

they have perished as though they had never existed;

they have become as though they had never been born,

they and their children after them.

10But these also were godly men,

whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten;

11their wealth will remain with their descendants,

and their inheritance with their children's children.44.11 Heb Compare Lat Syr: Meaning of Gk uncertain

12Their descendants stand by the covenants;

their children also, for their sake.

13Their offspring will continue for ever,

and their glory will never be blotted out.

14Their bodies are buried in peace,

but their name lives on generation after generation.

15The assembly declares44.15 Heb: Gk Peoples declare their wisdom,

and the congregation proclaims their praise.

Enoch

16Enoch pleased the Lord and was taken up,

an example of repentance to all generations.

Noah

17Noah was found perfect and righteous;

in the time of wrath he kept the race alive;44.17 Heb: Gk was taken in exchange

therefore a remnant was left on the earth

when the flood came.

18Everlasting covenants were made with him

that all flesh should never again be blotted out by a flood.

Abraham

19Abraham was the great father of a multitude of nations,

and no one has been found like him in glory.

20He kept the law of the Most High,

and entered into a covenant with him;

he certified the covenant in his flesh,

and when he was tested he proved faithful.

21Therefore the Lord44.21 Gk he assured him with an oath

that the nations would be blessed through his offspring;

that he would make him as numerous as the dust of the earth,

and exalt his offspring like the stars,

and give them an inheritance from sea to sea

and from the Euphrates44.21 Syr: Heb Gk River to the ends of the earth.

Isaac and Jacob

22To Isaac also he gave the same assurance

for the sake of his father Abraham.

The blessing of all people and the covenant

23he made to rest on the head of Jacob;

he acknowledged him with his blessings,

and gave him his inheritance;

he divided his portions,

and distributed them among twelve tribes.

Moses

From his descendants the Lord44.23 Gk he brought forth a godly man,

who found favour in the sight of all